Isamail Abdulazeez Mantu, Reporting
Anambra State, Nigeria
In a poignant display of admiration and respect, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, paid tribute to the late traditional ruler of Ogwu-Ikpele in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Eze Valentine Chukuma Onyema III, during the celebration of the last Ofala in his community.
The revered monarch, who passed away at the venerable age of 105, was lauded by Governor Obaseki for his significant contributions to societal development. Eze Valentine Chukuma Onyema III was not only a pivotal figure in his community but also held a familial connection with the Benin Kingdom.
During the commemorative event, Governor Obaseki, accompanied by key government officials including the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Steven Idehenre; Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Joshua Omokhodion; and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Osilama Okuofu, expressed heartfelt condolences and celebrated the life of the late traditional ruler.
“I am here to celebrate the life and time of our Igwe and have come here because of what the Igwe means to us in the State. He is our in-law, as he came to take a wife from us in Benin,” Governor Obaseki remarked, highlighting the strong historical ties between the Benin Kingdom and the Anambra people.
In his tribute, the governor underscored the significance of Eze Valentine Chukuma Onyema III as a great man and a remarkable community leader. He urged the community to uphold the legacy and values that the late monarch championed, emphasizing the importance of building on the foundations laid by the departed leader.
“We are in solidarity with you and look up to God and to you to continue to propagate his legacy and the values he stood for and take up the challenge to build the community. I appreciate his colleagues at the Anambra Traditional Council for gracing the occasion,” Governor Obaseki added.
Acknowledging the late traditional ruler’s commitment to community development and human capacity building, the governor expressed gratitude for the indelible mark left by Eze Valentine Chukuma Onyema III and called on the community to honor his memory by continuing his work.
The presence of top government functionaries and members of the Anambra Traditional Council at the Ofala celebration underscored the collective recognition of the late monarch’s exemplary life and the enduring impact he made on his community.