By Ngwuoke Ngwuoke
The people of Ndukwe Autonomous Community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State now have a new Traditional Ruler.
He is High Chief Godfrey Obia Oko, a retired Headmaster, succeeding late Ezeogo Patrick Oko Ajah who went to join his ancestors last year.
In an election conducted on Monday, May 15 2015, and witnessed by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, High Chief Oko overwhelmingly defeated his only opponent, Sir John Okpara by 37 votes to 2.
The Ezeogo-elect, to be known as Isakaogu IV, has been presented to the Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Council, Uchenna Nnajiofor Ibiam.
The epoch-making event which took place at the Council Hall, Afikpo, was in the presence of the Community Development Association, Community Leaders, Elders, women and the youths who stormed the Local Government Secretariat with cultural dancing groups.
Speaking on behalf of Ndukwe community, a former member of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Sylvester Oko Omeri and the Chairman of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Afikpo LGA Chapter, Omezue Oyari Oko stated that the people of Ndukwe Autonomous Community had spoken through their hi Votes that High Chief Godfrey Obia Oko would be their next traditional ruler
They expressed confidence that the reign of High Chief Obia Oko would usher in a new chapter in the history of the community.
In his response, the Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Council, Hon Uchenna Nnajiofor Ibiam commended the people of Ndukwe on the peaceful conduct of their Ezeship election which, he noted, complied with the Executive Order of the State Government.
While congratulating High Chief Godfrey Obia Oko on his emergence as the Eze-Elect of Ndukwe, Ibiam urged him to liaise with the traditional ruler of Amasiri Autonomous Community, HRH Ezeogo Omezue Bassey Idam Onya and other community leaders and stakeholders in Amasiri to maintain peace in all parts of Amasiri.
Important personalities in attendance to witness the event included the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon (Mrs) Josephine Chinwe Nwogo, the S. A to the Governor on Projects and former Coordinator of Amasiri DC, Hon Baron Ogbonnia Enya; the traditional ruler of Amasiri Autonomous Community, HRH Ezeogo Omezue Bassey Idam Onya; the Councilor representing Ezeke Ward in Afikpo Legislative Council, Hon John Agha Ewa and the Presiding Bishop of Gospel Friends Assembly, Bishop Ken O. Daniels.
High Chief Godfrey Obia Oko was born 72 years ago and spent his early years in the Republic of Cameroon.
His educational pursuit took him to Macgregor Teachers’ Training College, Afikpo where he obtained the Teachers’ Grade II Certificate. He took to teaching and retired as Headmaster, Special Class.
On retirement, he was appointed into the Board of Ebonyi State Unjversal Basic Education Board, UBEB.
He has served his Amasiri Community in various capacities including Chairman,
Onwu Atu Egwu Age Grade,
Chairman, Ndukwe Development Union, NDU,
Chairman, Amasiri Town Union, ATU, and Vice Chairman, ESSA Ruling Council.
