Eze Ikonne Celebrates 95th Birthday/51 Years on the Throne with Pomp
... Confers Prestigious Chieftaincy Title on Dr. Odinakachi Umekwe
Eze Ikonne Celebrates 95th Birthday/51 Years on the Throne with Pomp
.Confers Prestigious Chieftaincy Title on Dr. Odinakachi Umekwe
It was pomp and ceremony as His Imperial Majesty Eze Dr. Isaac Ajonu Ikonne (JP) celebrated his 95th birthday and 51 years on the throne.
The classy double celebration held at his magnificent Royal White Palace, No. 100 Faults Road, Aba on Friday, January 26, 2024.
The epoch-making occasion commenced with conferment of chieftaincy titles on well-deserving personalities from far and near including a renowned financial cum investment guru, Dr. Odinakachi Umekwe.
The illustrious son of Umuobia Olokoro in Umuahia South local government area of Abia State was accompanied to the grand occasion by his beautiful wife, Lolo Chinwe Umekwe, relatives, friends, the people of Olokoro, business associates, top government officials and other distinguished personalities.
Responding after bagging the prestigious chieftaincy title of Akuzuruoha 1 of Aba in appreciation of his unprecedented philanthropy and tremendous contributions to the development of Abia State and the nation, Chief Dr. Odinakachi Umekwe appreciated His Imperial Majesty, Eze Dr. Isaac Ajonu Ikonne (JP) for the great honour done him.
He said that the chieftaincy title would ginger him to do more for his community and the society at large.
He congratulated the Enyi 1 of Aba on his 95th birthday and 51 years on the throne and wished him more fruitful years ahead.
Thereafter, the ceremony progressed swiftly from one stage to another.
The grand entry of His Imperial Majesty Eze Dr. Isaac Ajonu Ikonne accompanied by his wives, children, fellow traditional rulers, top government officials and others into the arena amid dancing, jubilation, cheers and exchange of pleasantries drew resounding ovation and set the stage agog.
When they were duly seated, the second stage of the occasion commenced under the distinguished chairmanship of HRM Eze Okechukwu Atulobi, the Chairman, Isiala Ngwa South Council of Traditional Rulers.
After the opening prayer, singing of the National Anthem and presentation of kola nut, the chairman of the occasion, HRM Eze Okechukwu Atulobi expressed satisfaction with the unprecedented turn-out adding that it is a clear indication of Eze Ikonne’s overwhelming popularity and immense contributions to the development of his community, the state and nation at large.
He described him as their role model and thanked God for his 95th birthday as well as 51 years on the throne and wished him many more years ahead in good health.
In their goodwill messages, the Mayor of Aba North, Ide John C. Udeagbala and his Aba South counterpart, Chief Uche Wogu congratulated His Imperial Majesty Eze Dr. Isaac Ajonu Ikonne on his 95th birthday and 51 years on the throne and prayed that God would continue to bless him with good health and many more years.
They extolled the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for his monumental achievements in the state within a very short time in office and called on the people to join hands with him in transforming the state.
Contributing, the member -elect of Aba North State Constituency, Hon. Aaron Uzodike expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving the life of the celebrant over the years and wished him happy celebration and many more years ahead.
In his address read by one of his sons, Prince Rowland Ikonne, His Imperial Majesty Eze Dr. Isaac Ajonu Ikonne, the Enyi 1 of Aba, Eze Igbo Gburugburu, former chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers and former chairman, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Traditional Rulers thanked all those who came to celebrate with him, his family and his community.
He described his longevity as a special gift from God and appreciated the support of successive administrations in the state as well as individuals towards the development of his community since its creation.
He lauded Dr. Alex Chioma Otti’s giant strides in the state adding that Aba is now an investor’s haven.
In his speech, the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa described Eze Ikonne as a very prominent traditional ruler in the nation and a very good family friend.
He said that he is very happy to be associated with the celebrant and the entire Royal Family adding that the ceremony is a yearly ritual and would continue to be so till the time God would say it is enough, my son, I want to take you home.
He wished Eze Ikonne well and prayed that he would live up to 100 years and above.
He also lauded Eze Ikonne for conferring the chieftaincy title of Akuzuruoha 1 of Aba on his friend, Dr. Odinakachi Umekwe adding that the recognition is well-deserved.
Also Speaking, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba described His Imperial Majesty Eze Dr. Isaac Ajonu Ikonne (JP) as a first class and resourceful traditional ruler who contributed immensely to the development of his community, Abia State and the nation at large.
He eulogized Dr. Alex Otti’s commitment to fast-tracking development of Abia State and assured the people that he would restore the glory of Aba-the commercial nerve-centre of the state and wished Eze Ikonne many more fruitful years ahead adding that he would live to witness what God is going to use Dr. Alex Otti to do in Abia State.
Speaking on behalf of the management and staff of National Museum of Colonial History Aba as well as the entire National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the Curator of National Museum for Colonial History Aba, Mr. Amadi Theophilus C said that they are happy and privileged to witness the 95th birthday and 51 years on the throne of His Imperial Majesty Eze Dr. Isaac Ikonne (JP).
He noted that Eze Ikonne at the ripe age of 95 years is still alive, healthier and stronger than some of his colleagues within or below his age adding that his longevity is a special grace and rare privilege from God.
He emphasized that a galaxy of distinguished personalities including top government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, notable politicians, captains of industry and others from far and near that came to celebrate with him is a prove of his goodness and quality leadership.
According to him, his palace stands as a custodian of the cultural heritage of the people and a place for political consultations.
He disclosed that Eze Ikonne has been immortalized in the Unity Museum Enugu as one of influential Traditional Rulers in the Southeast because of his quality leadership and remarkable achievements adding that the Museum would continually consult Eze Ikonne in collecting, preserving, documenting and exhibiting the nation’s cultural heritage.
He used the opportunity to call on the state, local governments and the good people of Abia State to visit and support the maintenance of the National Museum of Colonial History Aba adding that the Museum tells the history of the political development of Nigeria right from the pre-colonization of Nigeria down to the attainment of Independence.
Apart from that he said that the Museum serves as a tourist and research centre.
The occasion was a huge success. It featured special prayers for Eze Ikonne and his family, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), the nation, cutting of cake, appreciation of the celebrant, musical performances by different cultural groups among others.
It attracted the presence of distinguished personalities including HRM Eze Nelson Achilefu Nmerengwa, the first Deputy Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze J. C. Ngobi (Chairman, Isiala Ngwa South Council of Traditional Rulers), HRM Eze Joseph Ndubuisi Nwabeke (Immediate past chairmen, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers), HRM Eze Harry Ugwuala, HRM Eze O. C. Nwokonko, HRM Eze S. A. Egege, HRH Eze Dr. Dominic O. Atulegwu, Comrade Uche Moses (APC Chairman, Aba North), Hon. Isidore Egejuru, Hon. Chikaodi Nwankudu, Ewekay Ernest (Accountant, National Museum of Colonial History Aba), Oriyola Odubawo and others.
The occasion climaxed with great merriment under a classy ambience.
The mammoth guests were feted to their satisfaction with sumptuous buffet and high-end exotic drinks.
