Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri
For many people who do not know much about Eze Abdulphatai Chimeze Emetuma, he is the crowned traditional ruler of Umuofor Ancient Kingdom in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State. He is also the Chief Imam of Oguta mosque, the position he held in addition to his role as traditional ruler of his community for many years without any problem or even complaints from any quarter.
Eze Emetuma brings both the Muslim community and the traditional community together. There has been such cordial cooperation and relationship between the Muslims and members of the community to the extent that one finds it impossible to distinguish who is a Muslim or a member of the community.
Eze Emetuma celebrates major Muslim festivals, such as Eid-el-kabir, Eid-el-Filtri, among others and whenever there is such festival, the Christians and the entire people of the community would attend. Also, whenever there is cultural or Christian festival, the Muslims in the community would also attend it and joyfully participate in it.
Like all traditional rulers in Igbo land, Eze Emetuma does not joke with celebration of New Yam/Owu festival whenever the time comes since he became the custodian of his people. This is why in the 2019 festival; he did not waste time to gather all his people for the event since culture is what the community is known for.
The 2019 eating of new yam and Owu cultural festival celebrated by the monarch in full support of the chiefs and entire village heads and community members at large has been celebrated in grand style to herald the eating of new yam in the community.
The event saw the sons and daughters of Umuofor autonomous community at home and and abroad in full attendance. Other traditional rulers from the state and beyond also attended the event to give credence to the celebration.
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Those notable monarchs in attendance include, Eze Dr. T.A Obiefule, the Okairuru, Umudioka Ancient Kingdom, Orlu in Imo State and the National President Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze E.C Okeke, Chairman, Orlu Zonal of Amaifeke Ancient Kingdom, and Chairman Orlu Zonal Council of Traditional Rulers. Others include traditional rulers form Oguta LGA and other local government areas of the state
The celebrants used the event to present a chieftaincy title to some notable and Nigerians who has distinguished themselves in their field of endeavours. Among those honoured include President Muhammadu Buhari, the former Minister of Interior Gen. Abdulraham Danbazu, Dr.Richard Okoye, owner of Save Your Life Health Care Outreach and an Indian based in Delta State Mr. Riyaz Uddin.
Speaking at the event, Eze Emetuma described culture as divine and not idolatry as being proclaimed by some people in different quarters. He added that observed that any community without culture couldn’t stand.
He stressed needs for every communities and people to imbibe the spirit of culture in their community, adding that such measure would go a long way in addressing social ills and crimes associated with youths in the society.
Eze Emetuma explained that as both traditional ruler and Chief Imam, he derives joy in celebrating culture adding that both Muslims and Christians celebrates culture.
From the time he ascended the throne till date, there has never been any form of fracas among the community members and as result of that, there is absolute peace and unity in the community, as members of the community cooperate and love one another.
The Chief Imam, rather than use his position to divide the community for the purpose of making money out of the troubled situation, as may be witnessed in some communities in the country, undertakes courses that would bring about peace, development and promote unity.
He takes delight in projecting his community in limelight and even for government’s assistance. He uses his position to celebrate both the Muslims and cultural festival in the community, a situation that brings all people of the community together, especially whenever they are celebrating.
Since the monarch mounted the throne as both the traditional ruler and Chief Imam, he has been able to display high level of responsibility, playing fatherly role in everything that happens in his community.
He has also ensured that there has not been any crisis in his community or between his community and any neighbouring community.