Encomiums as Ukiwe steps into Ojukwu's shoes

EMMANUEL UZOR, Onitsha

Encomiums flowed like rivers yesterday as former Chief of General Staff (CGS), Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd), was conferred with Ofo Ndigbo title, making him the fourth prominent Igbo son to be so honoured after the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh, while performing the traditional breaking of kolanut, eulogised the undying spirit of Ndigbowhich, he said, was embodied in Commodore Ukiwe, which he exhibited during his service to the country. He added that the choice of Ukiwe as the Ofo Ndigbo was due to his contributions towards Igbo unity.

According to him, as the custodian of Igbo culture and tradition, Ukiwe stepped into the shoes of prominent Igbo sons and daughters, who had in various areas touched the lives of the people and had contributed immensely to the sustenance of Igbo unity, culture, tradition and had held sacrosanct to the ethos of Ndigbo. Eze Onyesoh added that the Ofo title, which he gave to Ukiwe, is a solemn duty of Eze Nri as the custodian of Igbo culture and civilisation, adding that the Ofo in Igbo mythology simply meant the conscience of Ndigbo.

"The holder ofOfo Ndigbo, therefore, must be a role model from whose hands, the spirits ensure equitable decisions on all matters before him. He must be a good listener, make the affairs of Ndigbo his and must handle this great responsibility with wisdom," he said. Eze Nri also reminded the guests, especially friends of the Ukiwes, that the Ofo Ndigbo is not bestowed to individuals because of their deep pockets but purely was a meritorious honour given to any Igbo man who had distinguished and proven the 'Igboness' in him, adding that the choice of Ukiwe was apt at a time Ndigbo were in need of a good leader.

He stressed the need for perpetuation of Igbo culture, tradition and language, insisting that despite the effect that Westernisation and the mass media were having on the Igbo Language, the people of Nri ancient kingdom would stand tall and hold firm to the culture and tradition of Ndigbo as the custodian and leader of all Igbos.