By Andrew Udechukwu.
A remarkable history was made in Nnewi town on Saturday January 10, 2026, when mammoth crowd from different parts of trooped to Amiliba Community Otolo- Nnewi to witness the installation ceremony of chief Patrick Okechukwu Onwujiobi( Obiwuenyi) as Obi of Amiliba. His installation also marked the official opening of the newly completed obi palace located near Nnamdi Azikiwe college of Health Sciences Otolo- Nnewi.
It was an epoch occasion that prompted Amiliba Community in their joyous mood to offer seven live cows and one big ram to all the invited traditional heads, including the event chairman, Hon. CC Martin Ndujekwu, Gbazuagu Nnewi. Other beneficiary of the cows are Igwe Dr KON ORIZU 111, Igwe Nnewi, Obi Charles Obi(Ogidi) of Uruagu- Nnewi, Obi Bennett Okafor ( Amaukwu) of Umudim- Nnewi, Obi George Onyekaba (Obidiugwu) of Nnewichi – Nnewi, Chief Afamefuna Obiekosi, Obi Umuenem and Agbaro Nnewi speaking during the official opening ceremony of the occasion, Igwe Dr Kenneth Orizu urged Amiliba people to see the palace as a rallying point for unifications.
The Nnewi Monarch was ably represented by his son, Dr Charles Obianefor Orizu( Obinechendo). He explained the great need to value obi as an institution worthy of respect and honour. He also advised that the palace should serve as a place for peaceful discussion, dialogue and resolution of disputes. He urged Amiliba Community to accord the newly installed obi, the maximum co operation and support in discharging his traditional responsibilities.
Chief Patrick Okechukwu Onwujiobi, Obi of Amiliba, in his humble response, appreciated the honour bestowed on him, promising to carry out his traditional functions with the fear of God. He thanked Igwe Dr KON Orizu for the historic installation, assuring him of constant consultation on traditional matters.
He expressed satisfaction on the level of turnout especially the obis and chiefs from various places within and outside Nnewi town. He promised Amiliba Community a good administration aimed at transforming people’s psyche particularly in area of living in peace, and love for one another.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President- General of Amiliba Community, Chief Walter Udegbunam aka Nnadili Nwa, expressed profound gratitude to God making the installation a huge success. He praised Igwe Dr KON Orizu for his fatherly support, wisdom and blessings that sustained peace and unity in Amiliba Community.
” Our dream has finally been fulfilled, and we give special thanks to Almighty God for the level of co-operations, renewed strength, and wisdom among our people. Today, our joy is limitless, we have accomplished the objective of establishing ancestral palace commissioned by Igwe Dr KON Orizu 111, Igwe Nnewi.”
The occasion chairman, Hon. CC Martin Ndujekwu, Gbazuagu Nnewi, stated that the opening of Amiliba traditional palace, and installation of Chief Patrick Okechukwu Onwujiobi as Obi of Amiliba marks a resounding beginning for the community. He assured the people speedy turn around of development, restoration of lost values, and eradication of ugly behaviour commonly seen among the youths of nowadays.
The Obi Amiliba is now a meeting place for the people to discuss and dialogue, both the living and ancestors have interest in Amiliba community. The living should not see the palace as avenue to destroy or blackmail eachother. By installing Obi Amiliba, the forefathers are happy with the villagers, therefore let honesty and trust be the watchword.
Gbazuagu called for the necessary support for Obi to function well, adding that nobody has monopoly of knowledge to deliver without external advice. He assured Amiliba Community a prosperous environment now that thier traditional stool has been installed
