Posted by By Joe Kalu on
All the roads Monday led to Imo State where the people of Mbaise and in-laws to Governor Peter Odili honoured him with the chieftaincy title of Obinwanne Mbaise.
All the roads Monday led to Imo State where the people of Mbaise and in-laws to Governor Peter Odili honoured him with the chieftaincy title of Obinwanne Mbaise.
The impressive but brief ceremony took place at the Chioma Ajunwa stadium in the Ahiazu Mbaise LGA of Imo State.
Apparently, the honour was in appreciation of the governor's spirit of brotherliness, his achievements since emerging the chief helmsman in Rivers State, and the love that he has spread outside his domain to Nigerians from all walks of life.
Our correspondent reports that the Chioma Ajunwa Stadium, venue of the chieftaincy conferment was a carnival of sorts.
Many dignitaries from across the country and beyond graced the occasion.
They included four other governors, namely Chief Achike Udenwa (host), Dr. Sam Egwu, (Ebonyi), Dr. D.S.P. Alamieyesigha, (Bayelsa) and Alhaji Abdulahi Adamu of Nasarawa.
Speaking with newsmen Hon. Lasbery Amadi Special Assistant to Governor Odili on Infractructure described the occasion as a political statement.
"It shows", he remarked, "the general acceptance of an achiever".
He confirmed that the massive turn out obviously proved Odili had won the heart and support of his in-laws.Earlier, a High Chief in Mbaise Chief Joe Nkemdirim Ekereke Nyiri Egwurugwu of Mbaise confirmed that they would do anything for Odili whom he said is now regarded as one of their own.
In a welcome address presented by the chairman, Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze E.O Osuagwu, Durujiaku Uboma I of Ngurunweke said Odili has continually made them proud through his dynamism and philanthropic disposition.
They then requested Dr. Odili to always remember his in-laws in his political calculation as well as erecting a memorial/foundation for his late father in-law, Eze B.S.C. Nzenwa.
Chairman of the occasion Chief Innocent Nwoga (OFR) Omereoha Umuokirike said Odili is a political figure that is rare to come bye and the relationship between the two states of Rivers and Imo is beyond the marriage of Peter and Mary Odili and prayed for its growth generation after generation.
Nwoga said the presence of Dr. Odili and his wife Mary was a recognition for the people of Mbaise. The high point of the celebration was the coronation of Sr. (Dr.) Peter Odili as the "Obinwanne Mbaise" by the title chiefs led by HRH Eze Joe Oleka, Obioha II of Oru-Ahiara, Ahiazu Mbaise ably assisted by HRH Eze Senator Obinna Isidore Obasi and Ezeji T. Eze Ihuoma
Among the goodwill messages received was from AFOMA American Federation of Mbaise (Georgia USA based) which described Odili as a bridge Builder.