By Edherigho Efemena
Following the conclusion of the funeral rites of the departed Igwe Emmanuel Ezechukwu Okoli (Diji II), the traditional ruler of Ufuma in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, the hurdle against the installation of a new king for the town has been finally surmounted.
The people of the town had on Saturday, 17th June concluded the funeral rites of the late traditional ruler, who died in the year 2000 after 27 years on the throne of his ancestors.
The ceremony officially brought to an end the reign of the Late Igwe and prepared the ground for the community to select or elect another Igwe, who will become Diji III.
The final burial rite for the late traditional ruler was concluded with the “Igbu Efi” ceremony as stipulated by the culture and traditions of Ufuma town.
The “Igbu Efi” ceremony which means the killing of cows was the high point of the event. It entails the slaughtering of three cows on behalf of each of the three quarters that make up the community.
The belated but befitting farewell by the entire community for the departed Igwe was celebrated with excitement and fanfare despite having been hampered by controversies which had put the ancient and important “Igbu Efi” ceremony on hold for 17 years.
Speaking at the occasion, the traditional Prime Minister of Ufuma town, Onowu Ikechukwu Ogwukwe, who attended the ceremony in company with other members of the Royal cabinet and a complete retinue of red cap chiefs known as “Ndi Ogbu Efi”, pointed out that no valid selection of a new Igwe could be done in Ufuma town until the “Igbu Efi” ceremony is performed. He also added that the “Ofo” which in Ufuma as well as in Igboland is the symbol of authority and recognition must be handed over to someone before he could legitimately be called Igwe in Ufuma.
“As at the moment, the “Ofo” has not been handed over to anyone since the demise of Igwe E.E. Okoli in the year 2000 and therefore, no one can legitimately claim to be Igwe in Ufuma,” he said.