December 29, 2025, will remain a day to remember for years as sons and daughters of Umunede, in Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, from all over the world converged on the ever-busy town to witness the traditional chieftaincy title bestowed on one of their illustrious sons, Obiazikwor Oyo Egbede, as the Onye-nwen lhian of Umunede Kingdom.
The town had never seen such a convergence until that fateful and blessed day when the people, both home and in the Diaspora, came visiting to celebrate with Chief Onye-nwen lhian, who they described as a man of the people.
Performing the coronation rites, the Obi of Umunede Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Agadagidi Ezeagwu Ezenweali, noted that the conferment of the title on Obiazikwor was a reaffirmment of the kingdom’s custom of honouring and recognizing loyalty, hard work, respect and selfless service to the community.
The revered Obi said the title was a traditional one which the father of the new chief held for many years before he departed to join his ancestors.
He said, “For almost one and a half decades that Chief Ikechukwu Egbede
, the father of Obiazikwor, passed, I reserved the position for the family because the man performed exceedingly well. He was highly respected, a man of the people, a philanthropist and a traditional medicine practitioner who used his medical profession to bring smiles to Umunede Kingdom, neighbouring communities and Nigeria in general.
“I decided to honour that great man that brought fame to Umunede by keeping the title for his children. Really, Obiazikwor is not the firstborn of the great man, but his family chose him to carry one with their father’s legacy.
“Of course, the man they chose by themselves is based in Germany, but comes home regularly to associate and fraternise with his people. He is equally an achiever like his father. When he was investigated, he was not found wanting; rather, he is an investor, as he is the owner of C4 Hotel, one of the biggest hospitality homes in Umunede.
“He has employed many of our children. He could have decided to build the hotel in Lagos, Asaba or Abuja, but he chose to create employment for his people. Tell me why such a proud son of our kingdom should not be bestowed with such an honour?”
The Agadagidi of Umunede, however, charged Obiazikwor, who is the chairman, C4 Palace Hotel, Umunede, to see the title bestowed on him as a call to more service and contributions towards the growth of humanity, especially his immediate community.
Speaking to the press, an elated Chief Obiazikwor said he was humbled by the great honour and title given to him.
“I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and l promise to serve our community with wisdom, courage and all sense of humility. This title is not just a recognition of me, but of my family, my people and shared values, “ he said.
Chief Obiazikwor further stated that he would make sure he upholds the responsibilities that come with the title and contribute to the growth and prosperity of Umunede Kingdom.
He concluded by pledging to uphold the traditions of his fatherland as it was practiced by his father and his ancestors, “I am not a ceremonial chief but a traditional one. So, I will perform my duty as it was practiced by my father and our ancestors.
“Yes, I live in Germany, but I am often at home. I will not allow our culture and tradition to die in my hands. I will do more for my people. You can see my friends and our people from all over the world, China, UK, Australia, America and Europe, who graced the occasion to see culture and tradition in action.
“I thank all of them and our revered king and his chiefs for their magnanimous action of reserving the traditional title for my family. This shows how responsible our king and his chiefs are. They don’t sell chieftaincy titles and I am proud to be part of them. Long live the king!”
Notably, the people of Umunede poured encomiums on Obiazikwor, one of them an America retunee, Mike, said, “All honour and profound congratulations to Chief Obiazikwor
Oyo Egbede on the august conferment of a revered traditional chieftaincy title by His Royal Majesty, Dr. Agadagidi Ezeagwu Ezenweali I, JP, the Obi of Umunede Kingdom.
“On this auspicious day, the kingdom formally bestows a sacred traditional chieftaincy title upon one of her most illustrious sons, Oyo Obiazikwor
Egbede, chairman, C4 Palace Hotel, Umunede.
“This historic investiture, graciously approved and pronounced by the sacred throne of Umunede Kingdom, stands as a solemn reaffirmation of the kingdom’s ancient custom of honouring merit, loyalty and selfless service to the land and her people.
“Such an honour is neither accidental nor arbitrary, it is earned through years of unwavering dedication, visible sacrifice and steadfast commitment to the progress and wellbeing of the kingdom.
“Among the sons of Umunede, you have remained constant in love and presence, unyielding in service and sacrifice. Your benevolent footprints are etched across time, and your enduring bond with the people speaks eloquently beyond words. Indeed, were love for Umunede to be weighed, your name would stand eminent among her sons.
“The dignity conferred upon you on this day is a royal acknowledgment of your noble contributions and your abiding relationship with the land and her people. In assuming this same sacred title once borne with honour by your late father, you have answered the call of lineage and fulfilled the divine ordinance of ancestral continuity within the Egbede family.
“The throne, the elders and the people have found you worthy, affirming you as one distinguished among his peers.
“As you are robed in honour and entrusted with this sacred responsibility, may this royal calling usher you into greater service to the throne and to the land.
“We render thanksgiving to Chukwu Okike Abiama for the restoration and preservation of the ancient glory of the Ikechukwu lineage.
“May God Almighty endow you with uncommon wisdom, strength and grace to uphold peace, unity and prosperity within Umunede Kingdom.
May the land flourish under your noble service and may her people dwell in peace and abundance.”
At the reception, which took place at Ijehon Primary School, lleje Quarters, Umunede, celebration filled the air, with different dance troupes. Friends and well-wishers were treated to sumptuous food and assorted drinks.
Some notable groups/associations that graced the epoch-making event were Obabu/ ljile family, Egbede family, Ogbe Ohun family, Umunede Council of Chiefs, AYC, Onyesi Nwenne Rinma, Umunede Ambassadors, Great Brothers Club, and lka Association, Berlin, Germany.
Also in attendance were lhien-onye Arun, staff of C4 Palace Hotel, Umunede, and a host of others.
