By Dan Opara/ Iyke-Jacobs Nwosu.
It was fanfare with royalty in elegance as eminent and illustrious Imo sons leaders rolled out drums in celebration of an Enigma, HRH Eze Joseph KELECHI IKE , OBI 111 and EKESHI MGBAJA IV of Umuneke Ugiri Mbano Penultimate Wednesday at the Prestigious Imo based Five star Rockview Hotels Owerri.
In a grand display of culture, amidst pump and Peagentry, the Mbano Monarch, HRH Eze Joseph KELECHI IKE, of the Legendary dynasty in Ugiri Mbano arrived the venue , waving and acknowledging Pleasantries from friends, Family members , Royal highnesses and his Club 36 leaders.
An event to behold as guests were treated with cultural displays , Bongo Music with Gogo Nwa Jesus .
The Compare was at his best reelling out polished and synchronized Queens English laced with Traditional Language translations.
Joy , happiness and convivialities reigned inspite of the T pains .
The Wednesday 7th May 2025 event had an array of dignitaries, traditional rulers, esteemed club members, family, friends, and well-wishers from across Imo State and beyond. A true celebration of a compassionate traditional Ruler who has kept pace with Umuneke -Ugiri cultures and traditions. His empathy for others knows no bounds as Members of Club 36 attested at the ceremony.
There were fanfare, heartwarming exchanges of pleasantries, amongst guests signifying legacies of the monarch who has continued to inspire his people through wisdom, humility, and a deep commitment to community developments.
Eze J. Ike’s reign has been marked by peace, cultural renaissance, and youth empowerment—qualities that have earned him deep respect both within and outside his kingdom.
His birthday celebration was not only a personal milestone but also a tribute to his impactful leadership and steadfast guardianship of Igbo heritage and traditional values.
There were heartfelt speeches extolling the virtues of the monarch, as attendees shared joyful moments and paid glowing tributes to a man who has remained a symbol of unity and progress in Umuneke Ugiri and the wider Isiala-Mbano community.
The Chairman of ISIALA-MBANO council Ndi Eze, HRH EZE ,Engr Ogemdi Agbugba Ksm , Ishi Orji 111 , Eze jiofor Egbeniri Osuh Clan with HRM Eze Dr. Orliver Ohanwe ( OBI Gburugburu) were at their best in speeches eulogizing the Selflessness of EKESHI MGBAJA IV. Umuneke
Other eminent royal fathers included HRH Eze Emma Asor, Eze Joel Udenkwo, Eze B. C. Onuoha from Mbaise nation with many other Ezes High Chief Tony Anuforo the national president with the Secretary general who was once an Honourable Commissioner Ambassador Jude Agbugba, Hon Commissioner in the civil Service Commission , Chief Sam . Anukam, Chief Charles Idimogu, (Aku Nwafor) Chief Chukwudi Chkwueke ( Eweele) Eze Eluagu, High Chief Osueke president general Ugiri Congress, as well as Hon. Engr. Chief Chima Akuchie and Rev. Chief Stanley Anyanwu ..Agaba Ihiagwa who is the president general of all PGs in Owerri, the Multi Mayor and international business magnet.
In an exclusive Interview with Newsmen at end of the Programme, the EKESHI MGBAJA IV told Journalists that his Joy knows no bounds seeing friends , Well Wishers Congregate together to honour God . Eze Joseph KELECHI IKE OBI 111 Umuneke Ugiri Mbano
He expressed Pleasures for Societal Leaders who embark on Programmes with grassroot appeals . According to the Umuneke Monarch , Leadership is all about Service to the People.
