…Says they made the right choice in making him their traditional ruler as they await affirmation from the state government
The people of Mburubu in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have officially welcomed their son and ìgwè elect, Ọzọ Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe.
The ceremony, which took place on Saturday at Mburubu Primary School, had in attendance over 5000 Mburubians, drawn from all 5 villages across the community.
Recall that the community had, in a unanimous decision, selected Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe as their ìgwè elect in December 2023—an act welcomed by almost all community members.
Prior to this, some delegates were sent to beg the veteran businessman to accept the offer of being their ìgwè elect, as their late ìgwè, Late Igwe Emmanuel Muonyelu Ogbuzulu, emerged through the same process.
Chief Okonkwo Evu, alias “Ozonwata na achọ nke ya,” during the kolanut prayers, urged God to guide their ìgwè elect and give him a long life as the community always has since its history.
A leader of the community and former Chairman of PDP of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon Chijioke Nwachukwu, said the event is providential as God destined it. He stated that the event is organized by the community to give their ìgwè elect, Ọzo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, the opportunity to come out publicly, accept the task, and reaffirm his commitment to the progress of the community.
“Today is a great day in our land as we are organizing this event to enable our son, Ọzo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, whom we begged to be our traditional ruler, to come and accept our plea.
“The event is also one that would allow us to thank God for making this day a success as now, abuse of Mburubians, maltreatment, among other issues, would stop.
“We are also using this event to call on the state government to, as a matter of urgency, release his certificate of return.
Speaking on behalf of the ndị Nze na ọzọ Mburubu, Chief Sylvanus Njoku said the community is on course for progress and they have total belief that their ìgwè elect would take the community to the next level.
Chief Okafor Chukwu, “Ọgbụnechendo na Mburubu,” said the event brings a new dawn to the community as the choice of Ọzọ Patrick Onuokaibe has not been in doubt.
Speaking on behalf of the community’s women, their leader, Mrs. Anthonia Chukwu, said they are never in doubt of Jerry Onuokaibe’s capacity to deliver and reaffirmed their total support.
Chief Chinedu Ezechukwu, “Ebubedike 1 of Mburubu,” expressed his happiness over the event, saying that such has been predestined by God as Ọzo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe is the type of leader needed by the community to progress. He asserted that their choice of Ọzọ Jerry was a conclusion of their 2-year search for a leader better than their late ìgwè.
According to him, “We the Mburubians begged ỌZỌ Jerry Partick Onuokaibe to be our ìgwè, and we are in total support of his emergence.”
“The state government should please, without any further delay, release his certificate of return.”
Also speaking, a one-time permanent secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Chief Patrick Onuokaibe, narrated how the journey to the choice of their ìgwè elect began, saying Ọzo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe is the best person for the job owing to his track records of being a unifier and team player and thus is their ìgwè elect.
Hon Ifeanyi Njoku, a former councillor of Mburubu Ward, said they begged Ọzọ Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe to take over this mantle as they believe that his leadership qualities will continue to make him outstanding amongst others.
According to him, “We used the same process adopted during the selection of our late ìgwè to choose Ọzọ Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe.”
“He was begged and after a while, accepted, and we believe he would do well.”
The Chairman of Ohaneze Ndị Igbo in Enugu South Local Government Area and also the leader of the Ọzọ’s in Enugu South Local Government, Ozo Emma Ugwu said he started coming to Mburubu the time the ìgwè elect of Mburubu was born and thus is a member of the community by association.
He stated that the tussle by some people over the throne should be commended because it would make the leader wake up. He thanked Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his outstanding works in the state, Deacon Okey Ogbodo for his works in his ministry, and Sen Jim Nwobodo, whom he said, adopted Jerry as a son. Ozo Ugwu wished that Jerry is his brother from Amechi – Awkunanaw as his qualities are rare to find.
Dr Chidi Chikas Okorie, an academic guru and communication expert, also affirmed his total support for Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe.
Associate Professor Alphonsus Njoku said, during the election of their late ìgwè, that it was said that it would always be reserved for the best.
According to him, “We need a leader with the capacity and influence that can link the community with the government at all levels.”
“I urge all to pray and give him their support.”
In his acceptance speech, the ìgwè elect of Mburubu community, Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, said he is thankful to God for the gift of life and also for the gift of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whom he said is a leader destined by God for the state.
He stated Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbahis determined to bring disruptive innovation through his leadership and has assured that he would change the face of the state.
Chief Onuokaibe also thanked the Enugu State Commissioner for Science AND TECHNOLOGY, Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh for his outstanding contributions towards the growth of the community, assuring that he would work with him for their betterment.
According to him, “Thank God for a day like this and for the gift of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a man who is determined to make Enugu better.”
“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has been busy working on making Enugu state a safe haven for all and also an investment reference for all investors across the globe.”
“I want to appreciate our leader, Sen Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, for his fatherly care and love. He has been a great figure for me as well as other young persons in the state.”
“Also, I appreciate the Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, for his sterling performances.
“My thanks also go to The Hon Commissioner for Science and Technology Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh for his role in moving our community forward.
Deacon Okey Ogbodo, the Commissioner, Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, for his wonderful works in the ministry.”
“I want to make it clear that I have no issue with anybody and would work with everybody to make Mburubu a citadel of hope for all.”
The ìgwè elect concluded by expressing his gratitude to the community for their support and trust in him, pledging his commitment to serving them diligently and fostering the development of Mburubu.
The event marked a significant moment in the history of Mburubu as they officially embraced Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe as their traditional ruler, and the community looks forward to a new era under his leadership while awaiting the issuance of the certificate of recognition to Chief Onuokaibe by the State Government.
