The people of Ikembara Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State have presented their Eze–Elect, Mr Cornelius Nnamdi Okpoebo to the Chairman of Ikeduru Local Government Council.
Presenting the Eze – Designate on Monday 22nd December 2025 at the council headquarters, Iho, the community said they were presenting their Eze Designate with hearts full of pride and gratitude “after a transparent and peaceful selection process and among many qualified and distinguished sons and daughters of Ikembara Autonomous Community, our people have unanimously chosen a man we consider the best among equals –a man of integrity, wisdom and proven leadership qualities. It is therefore with great honour that we present to you, Mr Cornelius Nnamdi Okpoebo, our Eze-Elect”.
They said that their choice reflected the collective will of their people and stressed that the Eze-Elect possesses the character, experience and vision required to lead Ikembara Autonomous Community in peace, unity and progressive development.
They expressed confidence that under his traditional leadership their community would continue their cherished cultural values while embracing meaningful collaboration with government and sister communities.
In his response, the Ikeduru council Chairman, Hon. Justice Nze thanked the community for presenting a mature person who can handle their community adding that it is not the duty of a chairman to choose traditional rulers for communities and assured them that he would make their presentation to the appropriate authorities..
The Eze-Elect in his appreciation thanked his people for finding him worthy to be their traditional ruler and assured them that his leadership will carry everybody along as he will do his best to see that Ikembara achieves progress in addition to the promotion of justice.
In the address signed by Prince Leo Olebara , the Interim President General of Ikembara Welfare Development Union, the community described their Eze-Elect as widely respected for his mental acuity, physical capacity, rich cultural background and unwavering dedication to human and community development, a worthy son and a shinning example of integrity, scholarship and service.
Mr Cornelius Nnamdi Okpoebo was born on 25th March , 1958 to the family of Mr Cornelius .O. Okpoebo and Mrs Janet Okpoebo and happily married to Mrs Chituru Blessing Ngozi Okpoebo and their union is blessed with children.
He began his educational journey at Community School, Ikembara and proceeded to St Peter Claver Seminary School, Okpala for his secondary education. Driven by a strong passion for learning and service, he furthered his studies at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Ikot Ekpene, an affiliate of the Pontifical Urban University, where he obtained a Degree in Philosophy. He later attended Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, where he earned a Degree in Theology..
In his continued quest for academic excellence, he attended the University of Port Harcourt, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Philosophy and subsequently proceeded to the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he also earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
The Eze-Elect has diverse and impressive work experience having worked in various reputable organizations in Nigeria. At one point, he served as Personal Assistant to Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu at Hardel and Enic Limited and later relocated to the United States of America, where he continued to distinguish himself professionally.
