HRM Agbogidi Nduka (m), Dumebi, his wife (r)
HOW ISSELE-UKU EXPORTED ANIOMA’S ANCIENT “WELCOME DANCE” TO AMERICA
It was August 12, 2018, the biennial convention of the Issele Association of North America in Denver, Colorado in the United States of America, and the Obi of Issele-Uku, HRM Agbogidi Obi Nduka flew all the way from his Oligbo Kingdom to identify with the Isseles in the Diaspora.
Before the day of the convention, the monarch committed his time to speak to Issele-Uku, Issele-Mkpitime, and Issele Azagba on the home front developments made so far in Issele-Uku under his royal watch, and the need for the three Isseles to come together and pursue their communal progress diligently.
However, the highlight of his arrival was the singing of Anioma’s well-known song, one of the commonest and the oldest consistently used by the people to welcome their important figures on the local front (not just monarchs).
Issele-Uku’s Patrick Nweike Ochei reported that with the Obi of Issele-Uku once sighted, the Anioma traditional song reechoed in Denver, Colorado, United States of America as the Obi was welcomed by his people with the ancient song thundering from them:
“Imali Oba ga mali Oba, imali Oba. Onye ni major Oba ya ga mali Oba na malim Oba”
The Obi was in attendance with his beautiful Queen, HRM Anasi-Obi Dumebi Nduka.
The Issele-Uku Kingdom remains one of Anioma’s communities where the people’s cultures and traditions remain firmly preserved but an enthronement of Omuship in this community, the process already in place will further strengthen cultural affairs in the community and also project them.
Since the coronation of the present monarch who against all odds is demonstrating his Anioma enthusiasm, the community has started to project Anioma culturally, a commitment enjoyed by Okpanam as dutifully driven by Omu Martha Dunkwu.
Other communities such as Ubulu Uku and giant Ibusa are expected to work towards re-introducing the Omu system.
Pen Master wishes HRM Agbogidi Nduka MNSE a safe trip back to Oligbo Kingdom Ndi Issele-Uku.
– Pen Master
