THE PECULIAR
QUEEN
Ab initio, Amaudo an ancient kingdom situated
in Enugu – the then capital city of East Central region, Nigeria – was unarguably
known for its uniqueness in the whole of Igboland, especially during early
eighties (1980s) based on the innumerable number of respected personalities
found in the area in addition to the invariable and rare farming prowess
peculiar to its indigenes in their entirety that it obviously became a point of
attraction to every rational being that existed within the aforementioned
calendar period.
Hence, traders and farmers were frequently touring to the area to
purchase their wares and farming materials, as the case may be, thereby making
it reckoned to be a commercial kingdom to the envy of other neighbouring
communities.
Owing to the booming nature of the locality, its Traditional Ruler Igwe
Ogadi Nduka – Ama II of Amaudo – was recognized by all and sundry as the most
influential king across the entire Igbo nation. This remarkable phenomenon
attached to the throne made it seemed like what every illustrious son of Amaudo
wished to sit on.
The most fascinating scenario was that anyone either indigene or none
who received a chieftaincy title from the kingdom was widely regarded as one of
the most important chiefs in existence. Thus, any personality within the clan
whom was yet to bag the title was seen as one who hadn’t arrived, thereby
constituting an unending inconsequential controversy among the people
especially during occasions or festive periods.
“Igwe..!” the community’s town crier Uzondu
saluted Igwe Nduka, head bent as the custom expected right in the king’s
palace. “Igwe…ee!!” the short, dark and plump young man repeated.
He was standing about two
metres away from the royal father who was seated on his magnificent and
adorable throne surrounded by two palace male servants whom were busy blowing
some air on him with native hand-fans made of wicker material.
He had
been ordered by the king just a few minutes ago to appear before him in the
palace.
It was on Friday September 10,
1982 at about some minutes past six in the evening.
“Uzondu.” Igwe Nduka called.
“Igwe.” He responded, lowering his moderately
big skull.
“Summon all the sons and daughters of
Amaudo,” the King mandated. “Ask them to be in this palace as soon as the cock
crows tomorrow.”
“Igwe…ee”
“Go immediately.” The King
commanded.
“Igwe…ee.” He said, bowing as
usual and hastily dashed out of the palace as demanded.
The following morning being
Saturday, 11th of September 1982 at about seven O’clock, the palace
was flooded with every dick and harry in Amaudo as requested by the king. The
alarming number of people present at the palace was no doubt an indication that
Igwe Nduka was highly adored by his people. An open place at the King’s
residence was used as the venue for the gathering rather than the palace due to
the intimidating number of persons at the arena.
Every
elderly man and woman was comfortably seated while the youth as well as the
kids were all on their feet as a result of insufficient seats.
“Great people of Amaudo,” Igwe
Nduka who sat on his throne commenced his awaited speech in a very high and
pleasant tone. “You are all welcome!”
On the King’s right hand was
his immediate younger brother Chief Amaechi Nduka while High Chief Amasiri
Ogbuehi – the Traditional Prime Minister (TPM) of the ancient kingdom – was
rightly seated by his left side.
“Igwe…ee!” The people chorused
in unison.
“Without being told,” Igwe Nduka who dressed
in his kingship regalia proceeded. “You already know why we are gathered here.”
He hinted.
The elders amidst the crowd
nodded.
“Of course, a week today
September 18 would be our Iri Ji festival,” the king said. “So, I thought it
wise to remind you of the formalities involved based on our ancient tradition.”
‘Iri Ji’ festival, which was an
annual event, meant New Yam festival. The remarkable ritual, which was
celebrated every 18th of September, marked the beginning of yam
consumption for each farming year in the kingdom. Thus no one, not even the
king, was supposed to consume a newly harvested yam until the ‘Iri Ji’ ceremony
is observed.
To be continued, please.
Comrade Fred Nwaozor
(TheMediaAmbassador)
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
___________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador
