Peace returns to Ibusa kingdom as Odogwu stool is restored
For more than a decade, a sacred stool stood empty, its absence echoing the deep divisions and unresolved tension within Ibusa kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta
For more than a decade, a sacred stool stood empty, its absence echoing the deep divisions and unresolved tension within Ibusa kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Odogwu — symbol of strength, honour and communal protection — was missing, and with it, peace seemed distant and elusive.
But on a day many now describe as divinely ordained, history shifted. Songs rose, drums spoke and tradition breathed again as a new Odogwu was finally installed, marking what leaders and elders say is the end of years of crisis and the rebirth of unity in the ancient town of Ibusa.
Declaring the moment a victory for peace, justice and cultural revival, the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government, Innocent Eseweze, said the restoration of the Odogwu stool signalled the opening of a new chapter for the community.
Speaking at a reception held after the historic installation, Eseweze described the Odogwu title — second in hierarchy only to the Obuzor of Ibusa — as a symbol of courage, dignity and service, noting that the Odogwu stands as the warrior and protector of the people.
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In an address, the newly installed Odogwu, High Chief Charles Okonkwo, expressed profound gratitude to the traditional ruler, the Obuzor of Ibusa, Obi Louis Nwaoboshi, acknowledging that the installation would not have been possible without the monarch’s forgiveness and consent.
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He revealed that the journey to reconciliation and restoration lasted nine years, during which peace seemed elusive, and praised Eseweze for personally intervening and persuading the Obuzor (monarch) to allow reconciliation prevail.
The Odogwu also hailed the planning committee for transforming the ceremony into what he described as an “Ibusa project,” and promised to serve the town with dedication and sacrifice, vowing to work for unity, stability and prosperity.
Addressing the gathering, Eseweze described the occasion as a day ordained by God, noting that Ibusa is a land of kings with a rich and resilient cultural heritage.
He said the event was not merely a celebration of tradition, but also a triumph over injustice, division and prolonged discord.
He called on traditional worshippers to end harmful practices at sacred sites and recalled that upon assuming office, major traditional institutions — including the Uwolo and Odogwu stools — were absent from the palace.
He said the local government adopted a deliberate policy to restore all traditional offices to the palace in the interest of peace, order and cultural continuity.
The council chairman said the Odogwu stool had been vacant for over a decade, adding that in his pursuit of peace, he pleaded with the Obuzor — at one point kneeling for more than an hour — so that reconciliation could return and tradition could be restored.
“With the return of the Uwolo, the Odogwu and the Ikwele to the palace, the days of crisis are over in Ibusa. We must now move forward together,” Eseweze said, expressing confidence in the capacity of the new Odogwu to contribute to the development of the town.
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Also speaking, Uwolo Amechi Nwaenie described the Odogwu as a credible and visionary leader capable of advancing peace and progress in the community.
The installation, which attracted dignitaries from across the country, was held at the Obuzor’s Palace in Igbuzo.
The revered monarch, Prof. Nwaboshi, performed all traditional rites, formally conferring on High Chief Okonkwo the symbol of authority and royal recognition as Odogwu.
The event marked the climax of a week-long programme celebrating Igbuzo’s rich culture, tradition, music and heritage.
Observers described the ceremony as a defining moment in the kingdom’s history, coming after the resolution of earlier traditional disputes that paved the way for a transparent and culturally-compliant selection process.
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Before handing over the symbol of office, Obi Nwaoboshi recalled the extensive consultations and screenings that led to Okonkwo’s emergence, describing him as the most qualified among the contenders.
He urged the new Odogwu to lead with wisdom, humility and a commitment to unity.
In his acceptance speech, Odogwu Okonkwo thanked the Obuzor, the traditional council and the people of Igbuzo for what he described as a “peaceful, credible and transparent process.”
He appealed to other contenders and stakeholders to join hands with him in building a stronger and more prosperous kingdom.
The Odogwu pledged to promote inclusive leadership, peace-building initiatives, infrastructural development, humanitarian service and the preservation of Igbuzo’s cultural heritage.
The Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, Onowu Nwadei, said the people of Igbuzo had waited patiently for the historic moment, describing the coronation as a launch pad for the development of the ancestral home.
