![[OPINION] Ozor Enyinna Remains the Oko of Ugbabe Clan Amidst Growing Controversy - Justin Onuigbo](/media/k2/items/cache/84366c6cd634ee73efd0544d8589b140_XL.jpg?t=20241123_084015)
The controversy surrounding the conferment of the Oko Ugbabe title on Ozor Enyinna Odumegwu Ogbonna has sparked significant debate, as factions within the Ugbabe clan continue to voice differing opinions over the legitimacy of the title holder. However, many community leaders and respected elders have reaffirmed that Ozor Enyinna's coronation remains valid and in line with the traditional customs of Ugbabe.
The Oko Ugbabe title, the highest traditional honor in Ugbabe clan, has been an important symbol of leadership and cultural heritage for see decades. Ozor Enyinna was crowned as the new Oko Ugbabe on October 20, 2023, following a 23-year interregnum since the passing of the previous titleholder, Chief Bernard Eze. His coronation was preceded by a grand civic reception on October 28, 2023, where he was officially presented to the community, and his leadership celebrated by a wide array of dignitaries, including government officials, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.
However, a year after the conferment, a group of elites from the Ugbabe clan, along with certain Traditional Rulers, have launched a public campaign against Ozor Enyinna, publishing a disclaimer in a national newspaper disputing his legitimacy as Oko Ugbabe. The publication has triggered a wave of protests from the majority of Ugbabe sons and daughters, as well as from the respected elders of the clan, who assert that the title conferment process was legitimate and met all the customary requirements.
The heart of the dispute lies in the role of the Traditional Rulers in the selection and conferment of the Oko Ugbabe title. According to several prominent figures in the community, including Elder John Abonyi and Ozioko Wilfred Ugwu Ogbonna, the process is an internal matter within the clan, with the authority to confer the title resting with the Onyishi (Eldest man) and the Oha Ugbabe — a council of elders that governs the clan. They stress that the Traditional Rulers do not have the jurisdiction to interfere in the internal matters of the Ugbabe clan, particularly in decisions related to the conferment of such an important title.
"The title of Oko Ugbabe is not a matter for the Traditional Rulers to determine. It is a purely intra-clan affair," stated Ozioko Wilfred. "The elders, led by the Onyishi, have always been the ones to confer the title, and it is their collective decision that matters most."
The contention over the Oko Ugbabe title has led many to question the motivations behind the dissenters' actions. Respondents who spoke to news men at Obollo Afor have accused the group of elites and Traditional Rulers of sowing division and disunity in the community, thereby undermining the longstanding customs of the Ugbabe clan. "Ozor Enyinna's coronation followed the established customs, and anyone challenging his authority is disregarding the very traditions that have held our people together for generations," said Elder John Abonyi, a respected elder.
On Wednesday 20th November, the Oha Ugbabe-in-Council released an official statement to buttress their position thus: "The Oha Ugbabe-in-Council strongly condemns the recent press release issued by certain Igwes within the Ugbabe Ancient Clan regarding the Oko Ugbabe, Ozor Enyinna Odumegwu Ogbonna."
We wish to make it unequivocally clear to the public that no single Igwe or group of Igwes has any authority or role in the enthronement of the Oko Ugbabe, the most esteemed title within the Ugbabe Ancient Clan, which consists of 10 families across 7 autonomous communities in Obollo Olenyi Dedu. The Ugbabe Ancient Clan recognizes only one legitimate Oko Ugbabe:
Ozor Enyinna Odumegwu Ogbonna.
The title of Oko Ugbabe is a lifetime honor that can only be conferred by the Onyishi Ugbabe, in full compliance with the sacred traditions of our land. Any attempt by the Igwes, driven by political interests, to meddle in the affairs of Oha Ugbabe and the Oko Ugbabe constitutes a
grave violation of our customs. We strongly urge the Igwes of the Ugbabe Ancient Clan to focus on their respective communities and administrative responsibilities, rather than exceed
their jurisdiction.
Furthermore, we call on the lgwes to address pressing issues within the Ugbabe Clan, such as the numerous abandoned health center projects, and to work towards their completion. They are
also urged to use their influence to ensure that no lgwe stool in the autonomous communities under the Ugbabe Clan remains vacant," the statement read.
Despite the ongoing protests, the overwhelming majority of the Ugbabe clan remain united in their support for Ozor Enyinna. His leadership is seen as a beacon of hope for the community, with a strong emphasis on development, unity, and cultural preservation. Ozor Enyinna has already made significant strides in improving the socioeconomic conditions of the clan, including empowering young people through scholarships, job opportunities, equipping school classroom blocks, and economic support. His contributions to the community have earned him widespread respect and admiration, particularly for his philanthropic efforts. He has initiated a lot of pet projects under Oko Ugbabe Foundation is unprecedented in the Land.
The new Oko Ugbabe has made clear his intention to use his position to foster unity and progress, pledging to build upon the legacy left by the previous titleholder, Chief Bernard Eze. He has also committed to attracting government attention to the clan, which he believes will help address critical issues such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
"I will continue to work for the betterment of our people, ensuring that our rich cultural heritage is preserved while also promoting growth and development within our community," Ozor Enyinna said in his inaugural speech following the conferment. "Unity is our strength, and I am dedicated to ensuring that the Oko Ugbabe title remains a symbol of progress for all of us."
As the dispute continues, many community leaders are urging the dissenting group to desist from further actions that could lead to wider fragmentation of the clan. "We must remember that our strength lies in unity," said one elder. "We should not allow personal interests or external influence to tear apart the fabric of our community."
The community has called for reconciliation, emphasizing that the traditional customs of Ugbabe must be respected, and that further division will only harm the clan's progress. The actions of a few individuals, they argue, should not overshadow the collective will of the majority, who have overwhelmingly supported Ozor Enyinna as the rightful Oko Ugbabe.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the people of Ugbabe are determined to uphold their cultural heritage, preserve their unity, and ensure that their community continues to thrive under the leadership of Ozor Enyinna. The clan’s future depends on collective support and adherence to its customs, and those who seek to disrupt the peace must reconsider their actions before further damage is done.
