The Traditional Ruler of Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Augustine Emelobe, has vowed to ensure that Oba is no longer seen in the badlight by tackling every sector of the community to ensure all round development, progress and prosperity.

The monarch assured the people that he had unveiled plans to rid Oba community of bad elements, saying that most crimes reported to have taken place in the community were committed by non-indigenes who infiltrated Oba community without checks due during the period there was no traditional ruler for about seven years.

Speaking at his palace during his maiden New Yam festival celebration over the weekend, Igwe Emelobe (the Eze Okpoko II of Oba), thanked God for bountiful harvest and commended the people of Oba for demonstrating their acceptance for his kingship during and after the Igweship election and for their massive attendance to identify with him and pay homage on his maiden festival.

He said the community is resolving many land issues and tackling insecurity through the help of Anambra State Government, while urging the people to ensure the improved security is sustained.

He said, “Ushiojioku is likened to the celebration of the first fruit harvest which leads to Iwa-ji(New Yam festival). This year’s New Yam Festival lasted for seven days and it commenced on August 27. Today Oba people celebrated New Yam to thank God for enabling us harvest new yam and other crops.

“For the new Oba agenda, you will agree with me that with the help of Anambra State Government, there is an improvement in security and we hope it will continue to improve.

“We are resolving many land issues between some individuals and people who sold land in multiple times. There have been a lot of engagements. My door is always open. We have set up different committees, peace councils and from now you will be seeing some improvement in the way Oba community is seen outside Oba, within Anambra and Nigeria.

“We have also engaged our youths and various stakeholders to understand the root causes of the challenges we have. I believe strongly in dialogue in conflict resolution. Gradually, we are coming to a point we can trust each other including those residents in Oba but indigenes from other states.

“I assure you that beginning from now you will not hear or see Oba in a negative way again by the grace of God.”

The monarch, after thanking God for bountiful harvest, also appreciated the Onowu of Oba, Chief Boniface Onyeka and all the cabinet chiefs.

Reflecting on the significance of the festival, the Chairman of Culture, Custom and Traditions in Oba, Chief Samuel EmekaOnuchukwu(IchieIfedinoba), recalled that the festival which began on August 27, was observed according to customs and tradition of Oba.

He said, “August 27 was Ushiojiokuji(Yam), August 28 was Ushiojioku Ede(cocoayam), August 29 was Ushiojiokumkpuluosisi(fruits), August 30 was Ushiojiokuichichenanghiholo(spirits of the land), August 31 was Aloidi for Ozoidi title holders. Then after four market days comes up the climax of celebrating the cutting and eating of the New Yam by the traditional ruler and in extension the whole of Oba people.

“In the olden days Ushiojioku used to be a festival for pagans before eating of new yam while on the other hand Christians celebrated First fruit harvest. Now both pagans and Christians have understood that Ushiojioku and first fruit is one and the same thing.

“Our Igwe is a minister of God. Any tradition that is not against the word of God is a good tradition. EzeOkpoko II is a leader indeed not a ruler. He has come to fix and repair Oba with the fear of God so that people will be law abiding and live in peace and harmony. I pray God to grant him more wisdom, good health and long life.”

Also, the community’s President General Emeritus and External Affairs Chairman, Rev. Chris Emelie described the magnitude and turn up at the new yam festival as a pre-test of the new Igwe’sOfala billed for January 2026, adding that God’s hand has located Oba community by the emergence of His Majesty IgweEngr Augustine ChineduEmelobe as the EzeOkpoko II.

“All the negative things they are saying about Oba people are most times perpetrated by those who infiltrated Oba community. Within the past six to seven years, Oba had no traditional ruler.

“Now everything is changing in Oba, our Igwe is a man of vision and purpose. He is making true his manifestos. He has hit the ground running establishing over 30 operational committees that are working towards the development of Oba people and community.

“Oba people love and support him. He won the Igweship election twice with over 94 per cent of total vote casts. He is always in the forefront that is why we call him ‘Okaaobuluzo’ and definitely a new Oba which he is championing is possible with Christ,” Emelie added.

Emelie also assured community that the EzeOkpoko II has unveiled plans to rid Oba community of bad elements, saying that most crimes reported to have taken place in the community were committed by non-Indigenes who infiltrated Oba community without checks due to the absence of a traditional ruler for about seven years.

The week-long celebration was an atmosphere of happiness, friendliness, brotherliness and hope which had not been witnessed for decades in Oba community, which in recent years had always been portrayed in bad light on social media both for justified and unjustified reasons.

Dignitaries present included most Oba Ichies and Chiefs – members of the EzeOkpoko cabinet, Igwe Pharm Alex UzoOnyido of Ogidi, House of Representative Member for Idemili North and South, Hon Harris UcheOkonkwo, Labour Party Anambra Governorship Aspirant, Chief George Moghalu, Elder OnyemaUgwunze, APGA 2023 House of Representatives Aspirant Chief IkennaIyiegbu, Mr EbukaIlokwube (Ojinkatanwudeagu).