The awful predicament of Anioma traditional rulers

Unknown to many is the simple fact that leadership is a very lonely position. This does not exclude the traditional rulers (Obis or Omus) either. The irony of the loneliness is that there are so many people around the leader but only few are his/her trusted confidants. The loneliness intensifies when the supposed confidant becomes a betrayer, disloyal and treacherous. It hurts and it hurts very deep to the bones. The leader is therefore mindful of association and systematically isolates self from trusting but limited few.

With the exception of a few, the Anioma kings (Obis) are the least taken care of by his people. I have been privileged to have visited several kings within and outside Anioma and the difference is disturbing. In this modern times, the palace doesn’t have to be old, dirty and scaring. The “ogwa” meeting room doesn’t have to be the same old filthy place as with our fore fathers. The Obis needs help to modernize these places likewise the Omus. Someone or a few people can take up the project of rebuilding or building a befitting Ogwa and or a home for their king. Most Omus do not have a home neither do they have a palace. A case in point is the Omu of Onicha Uku. How can she perform required traditional duties living with someone? Where is the privacy she needs for prayers and meditations for the town? What are all these various town unions, social organizations and associations doing? What’s their project for the town and their leaders?

May I refer us to take a look at the palace of the Obi of Onitcha Ado, Oba of Benin, Ooni of Ife, Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Kano etc and compare them to any palace in Anioma. It’s shameful my people.

The Obis are traditionally supposed to be taken care of by the people – the community. That’s our culture and tradition. The lack of communal support and the personal and family needs of the traditional rulers have subjected them to be preys in the hands of the politicians. They prey and toy with them thereby nullifying, demeaning and demoralizing the efficacy of the office of the traditional rulers. They introduced the Staff of Office system as a means of enslaving and controlling the kings politically. We, the people should arise to our responsibilities of taking care of our Obis and Omus appropriately starting with our various towns. It’s only when we clear the forest that we can build a castle on the land. Back to basics – your town needs you.

Michael Brian Onyekali Odiakosa
National Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Anioma Association USA, Inc.
Phone: 678-650-9070