By Ozioma Dibie
The traditional ruler of Ubulu-Unor in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr) Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu and other icons in Anioma area of Delta State on Tuesday commended Dr. Emma Ejiofor, the Onishe (Traditional Prime Minister) of Ubulu-Uku for writing a book on his perspectives about the town’s tradition.
The monarch and other Anioma leaders made the commendation at the public presentation of the book titled “My Perspectives on Ubulu-Uku Tradition, Throne And Kingship” at Viva Hotels event centre at Ubulu-Uku.
In his good will message, Obi Kikachukwu who was the Royal Father at the occasion said even though he had not read the contents of the 136-page book, he was full of praises for Ejiofor who took out time to put down in book form, what he considered to be his perspectives about the tradition of his people with respect to the throne and kingship.
The monarch added that writing a book of that nature could only come from an informed position if objectivity was anything to go by, explaining that the author was well placed to embark on such intellectual exercise.
Earlier in his welcome address, the author; Chief Emma Ejiofor who holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Banking and Finance, said, “at this time in the history of our town, I strongly feel just as some concerned citizens would also do, that many indigenes of Ubulu-Uku at home and in the Diaspora, do not have a good grasp of our traditional institutions, the throne and Kingship itself.
“I hold the view that most of our people over the years, have not devoted enough time to understanding our cultural mores and this has helped to take us on a dangerous path where our tradition has almost been stood on its head.”
This, he said “creates some ambiguity never known in the history of our town” stressing that Ubulu-Uku for centuries, was known as a community with strong monarchical system and well respected institutions but the nefarious activities of some players,
in recent years, have given the impression that Ubulu-Uku is fast loosing its grip on its well known traditional institutions, processes and procedures.”
He contended that “it was obviously in the light of such scenario that I took the initiative a few years ago, to put in writing, what I consider to be my perspectives on our tradition, throne and kingship.”
He explained that he wrote the book from his vantage position as a custodian of tradition by virtue of holding the title of the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku. According to him, “the book is intended to expand the knowledge base of Ubulu-Uku sons and daughters wherever they may be.”
In his review of the book, a Fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Prof. Cyril Emordi, among other things noted that the book was designed to give useful information, which would help in addressing the lingering controversial issues relating to the throne and kingship in Ubulu-Uku.
The Reviewer posited that the book “is a gallant effort (of the author) at dissociating himself from the wrongs being perpetrated in the kingdom as well as using the medium to extricate himself from the accusation leveled against him in relation to what may have played out in the unfortunate death of Obi Akaeze.”
A former Director, Department of State Service (DSS) Barrister Mike Ejiofor; (who is an elder brother to the author) and many other guests at the occasion including Presidential Aide Lauretta Onochie also commended Dr. Ejiofor for putting across his own perspectives on the Ubulu-Uku tradition, throne and kingship.
They expressed the hope that some other enlightened indigenes of the town would wake up and add to the historical literature of the community for more robust intellectual discourse and development.
The event was well attended by indigenes, friends and well-wishers of the author from different walks of life.