BREAKING NEWS: Eze Iweka III Breaks Kolanut at the Heart of Onitsha
..as Anambra Traders Endorse Soludo for Second Tenure
By Chukwudi Ebele
The Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III of Obosi Ukwalla kingdom (Ogalagidi) stole the show Saturday afternoon at Chuba Ikpeazu Sports Stadium Awka Road, Onitsha as he broke Kolanut to bless Prof. Charles Soludo and the entire traders in Anambra State who gathered in their thousands to endorse the incumbent Governor for a second term in office.
The sight of Eze Iweka III performing such a sacred ritual was of great significance because the Iwa Oji or breaking of Kolanut was performed next door to the palace of his contemporary, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe who was the immediate past Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.
It was unprecedented because
Breaking the kolanut, or Iwa Oji, is a sacred ritual in Igbo culture that symbolizes hospitality, peace and a connection to the ancestors. It is performed by the eldest man present or in some other instance the highest title holder present or the native of that particular community where the gathering or event is taking place.
It involves presenting the nut, offering prayers for blessings, breaking it into pieces for sharing, and eating it as a sign of mutual respect and acceptance within the community. The ritual marks the official start of any gathering and is a fundamental part of Igbo social and spiritual life.
However, since the Obi of Onitsha was conspicuously absent in such an epoch making event within his domain, the onus laid on Eze Iweka III of Obosi Ukwalla kingdom who was the highest title holder as the Chairman ASTRC to perform the revered ritual before the mammoth crowd that gathered under the umbrella of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA led by Chief Humphrey Anuna (Onwa Oraeri Ajilija).
His prayers: "Today is a great day. A day all the traders in Anambra State came together to endorse Governor Chukwuma Soludo. It shows that all the traders understand what our Governor has been doing. It would not be long Anambra will become like the White man's can country..
We are saying that it will be well with our Governor and his entourage. It will be well with all the traders. You will trade and make profit so that you and every other people will keep supporting our Governor so that he keeps working until he finishes the good works he has started doing for Ndi Anambra.
I pray for the long life and good health of everyone present here.I pray for peace in your homes and businesses. It will be well with all of you. Let God bless our Governor. Let God bless all those working with him. Let God bless all the traders present. Let God prosper your businesses and fulfill your heart desires through Jesus Christ our Lord"
