By Prince Charles Amadike-Otoboh, JP
The Oba (Eze-Ogba) of Ogbaland, His Eminence, Sir (Dr) Chukumela Nnam Obi II. will on December 19, 2018 clock 48 years on the throne.
Oba Chukumela Nnam Obi II, who is the eleventh Ogba Monarch, ascended the Eze Ogba throne on 19th December, 1970 following the peaceful home call of his predecessor (His Uncle), His Majesty Oba Wokoma Silk Obi in April of the same year.
Presentation of staff of office to the Eze Ogba was personally performed by the first Military Governor of Rivers State now Amanayabo of Twon Brass in Bayelsa State, His Majesty, King Alfred Papapriye Diete-Spiff, CFR, JP, preceding the crowning of the king by the then oldest man in Umu-Ohali Family in Ogba Kingdom, Elder Akwaburu.
According to Oba’s Media Aide, Prince Charles Chukulaka Amadike-Otoboh, JP (Mmboh Krikri), whose principal, the Oba mounted the throne of his forefathers at the age of 30 amidst many odds and challenges emanating from the Nigeria Biafra Civil War of 1967-1970 and by the grace of Almighty God, he has brought nobility and regality to the throne.
As a leader, father and elder statesman, the Oba Eze Ogba has held several positions of authority and has been providing people-oriented leadership to the people of Ogba Ethnic Nationality and Rivers State in particular and indeed Nigeria at large.
He is a founding member of Conference of Traditional Rulers of Eastern States of Nigeria in 1985. He was the National President of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) 1994-2000. He served as the pioneer pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State (FUTO) 1980-1984 and was appointed Chancellor of Federal University of Technology(FUTA), Akure, Ondo State 1992-2001.
He has served as three times chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers 1972-1979, 1994-1996 and 2007-2009 respectively and was one of Nigeria’s egg heads chosen by the Federal Government to serve in vision 2010 between 1996 and 1997 and also served at the National Council of Nigeria Vision 1997-1998.
He served as a member of the International Committee on Chieftaincy and Royalty as Nigeria’s representative for FESTAC, 1974-1998.
As a man given to philanthropy and service, he is Patron and Grand Patron of over 50 National and International reputable associations and clubs including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Research has it that His Eminence, Oba Chukumela Nnam Obi II is presently the longest-serving Traditional Ruler in Nigeria. TO GOD BE THE GLORY and as a man of affairs greatly loved by his people, over these years, he has to his credit laurels, much more than we are able to highlight here for constraint of space.
The Ogba Monarch’s reign has been marked by legendary achievements, innovations and posterity for Ogba people. He has lifted kingship to an enviable height, level and standard.
The Royal father is best described as a bridge builder, symbol of peace, unity, love and courage and a reference point for what a respected monarch should be in our clime.
