HRM Eze O. J. Ananaba Celebrates 25-Year Reign, 71st Birthday with Pomp
It was a moment of thanksgiving, joy and splendour as His Royal Majesty, Eze Okey Jacob Ananaba, the Okahia I of Okahia Autonomous Community, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, celebrated his 25th Coronation Anniversary alongside his 71st birthday, a double milestone that attracted dignitaries from all walks of life.
The epoch-making ceremony held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the monarch’s magnificent palace in Nnedia Estate, Umuokahia I, was attended by prominent traditional rulers, chiefs, elders, community leaders, in-laws and a large gathering of Okahia indigenes and well-wishers.
The double celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on the life and remarkable reign of the royal father, as his profile was eloquently presented by his in-law, Engr. Wright Onuoha.
He described HRM Eze Ananaba as a renowned chemist and an alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Okahia Autonomous Community was created on June 20, 2000, while HRM Eze O. J. Ananaba was enthroned as its pioneer traditional ruler on July 19, 2001.
Since his ascension to the throne, the community has witnessed significant development, including road construction, improved electricity supply and the attraction of job opportunities for the youth.
HRM Eze O. J. Ananaba, an ardent member of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, is happily married to Ugoeze Dibugwu Mgbechi Ananaba (née Onuoha), and the union is blessed with children.
In his welcome address, HRM Eze Ananaba thanked God for preserving his life to witness 25 years on the throne and his 71st birthday in good health.
He expressed profound gratitude to God for His blessings upon his family and the Okahia community, expressing optimism that greater dreams would be realized with divine support.
The royal father appreciated the massive turnout of guests, particularly the Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Linus Nto Mba, and other royal fathers from across the state.
He used the occasion to speak on national challenges such as corruption, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and the marginalization of the Igbo in national affairs.
He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the issues of economic hardship, insecurity, Igbo marginalization and Nigeria’s over-dependence on oil revenue.
Advocating for the revival of agriculture, the revered Royal Father urged both the federal and state governments to provide incentives for rural farmers to boost food production and ensure national sustainability.
HRM Eze Ananaba showered encomiums on the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, describing him as a leader of integrity, humility and unwavering commitment to the people.
He commended the governor for reconstructing over 140 roads, including the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road, Aba, Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Abiriba Road, Ossah Road expansion and the Omenuko Bridge.
According to him, Governor Otti’s achievements have also impacted positively on health, education, security, agriculture and social welfare, inspiring future generations of leaders.
He further applauded the governor for restructuring the traditional institution in the state and improving the welfare of traditional rulers.
HRM Eze Ananaba advocated for constitutional roles for traditional institutions, noting their closeness to the grassroots and their role as custodians of culture and tradition.
He concluded by appreciating the Okahia Eze-in-Council and the entire community for their unflinching support over the past 25 years, stressing that peace and development in the community were products of collective effort, prayers and unity.
A major highlight of the event was the conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving personalities, including Chief Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, National Chairman of Accord (Aha Eji Aga Mba of Okahia Kingdom), Chief Osondu Ogiriga (Aka Ji Mba I of Okahia), Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Chidinma Ogiriga (Ugo Chinyere I of Okahia Kingdom), Chief Peter Azubuike, MD/CEO of Petbridge Nig. Ltd (Ijiriji Obingwa), Chief Mrs. Matilda Chinonyerem Anyamele (Nwanyi Mbu Ugo I of Okahia Kingdom), Hon. Chief Emmanuel Okechukwu Nwoke (Ohamadike of Okahia Kingdom), among others.
In his response, Hon. Chief Emmanuel Okechukwu Nwoke thanked HRM Eze O. J. Ananaba and the entire community for the honour done him.
He assured that the Chieftaincy Title would inspire him to continue to support HRM Eze O. J. Ananaba to do more for Okahia Kingdom and prayed for God to grant him long life, good health, riches and wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs of the community to enviable height.
The ceremony also featured the cutting of the Silver Jubilee Cake, presentation of wrappers and relief items to widows and the less privileged.
In a chat with Jideofor Ugwanyi, the Publisher of Signal Magazine, the Executive Director of the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Aba, Prof. Ogbonna Onuoha, described the celebrant as a long-time friend, fellow alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and committed community leader.
He praised HRM Eze Ananaba’s vibrancy, remarkable leadership qualities and dedication to service, praying for continued good health, longevity and greater responsibilities at the state level.
The colourful event was expertly compered by Bestman Eruba and climaxed with great merriment, as guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet and assorted high-end drinks.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were eminent traditional rulers, government officials, academics and political leaders from across Abia State and beyond, making the celebration a truly memorable and historic occasion.
Some of those present were the Chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Linus Nto Mba, HRM Eze Nelson Nmerengwa (first Deputy Chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers), HRM Eze Franklin Nwosu, HRM Eze Joseph Ndubuisi Nwabeke, former Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze (Dr.) Nwabiaraije Enogwe (Ekwueme 1 of Abayi Ancient Kingdom and Chairman, Ukwa la Ngwa Traditional Rulers Council), HRM Eze F. M. Ikpeazu, former Chairman Obingwa Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Love Wogu, former Chairman, Aba North Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Ibe Enyeazu, HRM Eze Sunday Udodirim, HRM Eze O. C. Nwokonko, HRM Eze Monday Ugbor, HRH Eze Nnamdi Njoku, Prof. Ogbonna Onuoha, the Executive Director of NINLAN, Aba, Hon. Chief Seth Nkwachi Agomuo, the traditional Prime Minister of Okahia Kingdom, Hon. Maxwell Nwadike, the Mayor of Obingwa LGA, Hon. Chibunna Akara, the Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Cliff Agbaeze (Commissioner for Agriculture), Chief Theo Nkire, Hon. Mrs. Victoria Dibumma Onwubiko (MD/CEO, Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency, ABSSAA), Godwin Adindu, Prince Bobby Eberechi Dick, Hon. Victor Ubani, Hon. Prince Barr. Obinna Nwabiaraije, Hon. Eric Egwuibe, Hon. Hanson Amaechi (Abacha), Hon. Prince Azubuike Eberechi Dick among others.
