A socio-cultural group in Delta, called the Odu Oma Club of Nigeria, has lauded the exemplary role of the Obi of Owa Kingdom, Obi Emmanuel Efeizomor II, in shaping the Anioma identity in the 1980’s, under the defunct Bendel State.
The commendation is contained in a statement issued in Asaba by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Christopher Nwayalani, and made available to newsmen, yesterday.
According to the statement, the Odu Oma delegation, led by its President, Ogbogu Okenyi, on Saturday, visited the traditional ruler to felicitate him on his 88th birthday.
The statement read in part: “The revered monarch, who marked the milestone on March 10, remains one of the longest-reigning traditional rulers in Nigeria, having ascended the throne in 1959.
“Widely respected among the Anioma (Delta Igbo) people, his reign has been defined by cultural preservation, peace, and unwavering advocacy for the identity and unity of his people.”
Okenyi further described Efeizomor II as a “distinguished pillar of Anioma unity,” emphasising that his birthday celebration was not merely of age, but of a life marked by courage, wisdom, and visionary leadership.
He highlighted the Obi’s instrumental role during the late 1980s in shaping the Anioma identity, particularly the historic Anioma Declaration of Dec.13, 1989, presented to then Bendel State Gov. Tunde Ogbeha.
“That declaration, which affirmed the collective identity of the Aniocha, Ndokwa, Ika, and Oshimili people as ‘Anioma,’ remains a defining moment in the socio-political evolution of Delta North.
“Your throne remains a symbol of peace, unity, and cultural pride.
“Your contributions will continue to inspire generations, in the pursuit of justice, identity, and self-determination,” Okenyi said.
He also recalled the monarch’s leadership role in 2006, when he joined forces with the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien, and other stakeholders to advocate for the creation of Anioma State during high-level consultations in Owerri.
The statement quoted the traditional ruler to have, in his response, expressed deep appreciation for the visit, recalling decades of collaboration with the club and key figures in the Anioma struggle.
He, however, decried growing divisions among political, cultural, and traditional institutions, arguing that the emergence of parallel groups and competing interests had weakened collective progress.
He was further quoted to have argued that political ambitions had overshadowed long-term cultural and identity goals, with many leaders focusing on positions rather than purpose.
He reportedly frowned at “the erosion of respect for traditional leadership and the increasing influence of materialism among younger generations”.
He pointed out that the phenomenon further complicated efforts toward unity and identity consolidation.
“Our people have become divided. It is now difficult to determine who truly speaks for Anioma,” he was quoted to have said.
The Obi acknowledged the contributions of contemporary political figures, such as Sen. Ned Nwoko, but called for “greater diplomacy and strategic coordination in advancing the Anioma agenda”.
He expressed the need for the people of Anioma to remain peaceful and united in one purpose.
“We are in danger. The older I become, the weaker I am. Our people have dumped us.
“We must first understand where we are before we can determine where we are going,” the Obi reportedly said.
He underscored the urgency of “renewed leadership spirit, intergenerational dialogue, and a recommitment to the founding ideals of the Anioma movement.
The statement added that highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a portrait to the traditional ruler, as a symbol of peace, cultural pride and in appreciation for his lifelong dedication to the Anioma cause.