Fides Media Living the Faith
By Chioma Ndife
Nri Clan has inaugurated the Ezumezu Umunri, a socio-cultural body geared towards improving and unifying the Nri Dynasty to its history.
The inauguration which took place at the Obu Umunri Palace, Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Council Area of Anambra State last Thursday, 14th July, attracted representatives from Amawbia, Nawfia, Enugwu-Agidi, Nri, Nnokwa, Enugwu-Adazi and Presidents General, traditional rulers, academics and stakeholders from communities from Nri Clan.
Nri Clan is one of the oldest in Nigeria, covering over 180 communities.
The meeting was not to subjugate any town to the other town but to help explore the cultural and religious history of the clan, Fides learnt.
The traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, Igwe Ralph Ekpeh, while expressing dismay that monarchs of Nri never deemed it fit to come together, pleaded with the people and communities involved to play their role in reviving and the Nri culture.
Igwe Ekpeh admonished historians to desist from publishing falsehoods that only caused disharmony among the Nri people and communities.
The traditional ruler of Enugwu-Agidi, Igwe Mike Okekeuche represented by his prime minister, Sir Osita Anameze and Mr Shedrach Moguwa from Nawfia, all thanked the Enugwu-Ukwu monarch for his thoughtfulness in initiating the meeting, saying it proves his love for the ancestral recognition, acceptance and reinvigoration of the Nri dynasty.
Responding on behalf of the Ezumezu Umunri, the pioneer chairman, Prince Emeka Egwuekwe said the move would help to trace and sustain the existence and culture of Nri people and help to unify them in order properly tell the stories of Nri descendants.
He pointed out that Nri people are also found in non Igbo speaking states where they migrated to, across the country. All should join hands to inculcate the culture in their children.
Other stakeholders including the Isimmili Na Nri, Dr. Rama’s Azuzu and flagbearer for the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Njikoka 1 Constituency, Mr. Chidi Ibemeka gave suggestions and commendations for the sustainability and progression of the noble aspiration of the Ezumezu Umunri, asking that a solid foundation be built.
The gathering later adopted the resolutions of the meeting as a working document that will improve Nri Dynasty.
The Ezumezu Umunri was agreed to be held three times annually with its pioneer chairman as Prince Egwuekwe and the Secretary who was yet to be appointed, while the positions will be held on rotational basis.