By Patrick Ochei
Issele-Uku Kingdom, the headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, was Friday, May 24, 2024, agog with traditional sounds and beats as a former University lecturer, Prof. Patrick Osiegbu was conferred with the Traditional Chieftaincy Title of “Ojugbana of Issele-Uku Kingdom” by the revered Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE).
The Royal Father had gone ahead to perform the traditional rites of installation by chalking, beading and wearing him with the red cap and Eagle feathers (Ida Nzu, Ibe Ejije Ukwu na Ikpudo Okpu Ododo na Abuba Ugo) immediately after the breaking of kolanut and prayer by the Ogbelani of Issele-Uku, Diokpa Isimchei Okonkwo.
Chief (Prof.) Patrick Osiegbu was led to the Palace by his kith and kin from Ogbeofu extraction of Issele-Uku community with the Olimgba dance; and indeed it was graceful.
For the first time as a chief, he had a royal handshake with the Monarch before stepping down from the point of installation to have another handshake with his fellow chiefs, wielding his staff of authority which is the “abani” majestically.
After the awesome occasion at the Issele-Uku Royal Palace, family members, guests and well wishers joined the newly appointed ‘Ojugbana’ to his country home for reception and entertainment.
Indeed, many believed that Prof. Osiegbu was long overdue for a Chieftaincy Title; however, they eulogized the highly loved Obi of Issele-Uku for still deeming it feat to appoint him as one.
Going down memory lane, it was agreeable in most quarters that Prof. Osiegbu deserved such a Chieftaincy reward as honour for his years of community service and development effort.
Prof. Osiegbu was very active in serving Issele-Uku course, even as then lecturer with the Delta State University, Abraka, before being drafted to Anwai campus (Now Dennis Osadebay University) to head the Faculty of Business Management.
From his cognitive and proactive service to Issele-Uku, he rose to become the President General of Issele-Uku Development Union (IDU) where he made significant achievements, majorly by getting the Hope International, Canada to approve and donate medical equipment to Issele-Uku General Hospital. Against all odds, he funded the importation, clearance and transportation of the medical equipment from Lagos Port to Issele-Uku, where they were delivered to the medical doctor in charge of the hospital.
It was also during his tenure that most branches of IDU began to compete for projects to site in Issele-Uku, for which Lagos Branch was able to conceptualise and execute the Issele-Uku City Gate which has given the town the deserved ambience it enjoys today.
It was a well attended Chieftaincy ceremony where dignitaries from all walks of life were present, including the celebrant, Chief Osiegbu’s children who flew in from America to be with their father and latest chief in Issele-Uku Kingdom.
