High Chief Celestine Okafor
Ikwele of Ibusa Kingdom
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he people of Ibusa Kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have celebrated the seventh Coronation Anniversary of their young, ebullient and articulate 12th Ikwele ,His Eminence, High Chief Celestine Okafor. His Eminence needs no introduction as a Nigerian.He is not a stranger to Ibusa culture. His bonding with Ibusa traditional culture is akin to the umbilical relationship between a child and the mother right from the womb and last all through a lifetime. His antecedents and achievements as 12th Ikwele of Ibusa speaks volumes. He is a perfect example of leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the soul of humanity, the heart of warrior, and a perfect traditional man.
Since he ascend to throne as the 12th Ikwele, Ibusa kingdom has witnessed tremendous positive changes,he is someone who appreciates his purpose in life and still understand the components of that purpose. He is one man who has stood out among the few who had more than a fleeting nation of his sojourn on earth. He is a rare breed who viewed life solely from the perspective of his God, and knew that life’s purpose can only be fulfilled when self-will is surrounded to Almighty. A very supportive, encouraging and inspiring fellow who always sets his mind on whatever he does passionately and quietly.He is a loving, kind-hearted man and this shows in his dealings with all that come across him,including his fellow traditional chiefs.One peculiarity of His Eminence, High Chief Celestine Okafor is that he operates with synergy in his relationship with not only his people but also people who comes around him.
His Eminence,High Chief Celestine Okafor’s sterling leadership is a perfect blend of tradition and western modernism. He is happily married with wife and children.The Ibusa people see him as a traditionalist:The Ikwele is a symbol of unity and Peace.He is a peacemaker, infact, he is a modern traditional Icon by extension,and also a philosopher.
We hold him in high esteem because we believe in terms of thought processes, vision that naturally he is the person who will direct and help us navigate through the challenges that may come our way. He is the custodian of lands matters within Ibusa .More significantly he ensures peace, harmony, unity and stability in the land.The present Ikwele of Ibusa is one that has carved a niche for himself, easily the most vibrant Ikwele ever in the history of Ibusa and that has been unquestionable in most of his actions and the directives he proclaims. It has also been clearly demonstrated in the positive reforms that he has carried out .It has also found expression in the peace, unity and harmony that exist among our people presently.
Ultimately it will be a beginning of the process in the history of Ibusa people, our traditional folklore,acknowledge and applaud heroes, so for us it is a beginning of a new dawn. Time has come for Ibusa people to acknowledge what is their own.Contrary to our historical past,if you do not eulogise great people we may be failing in one respect.We are not motivating our people to excel.we may have Ibusa sons and daughters that will distinguish themselves but might not be chiefs in Ibusa, but they may have done exceptionally well to be inducted to the Hall of Fame.Ikwele of Ibusa will be the first Ibusa son living or dead ever to be inducted into such Hall of Fame in our traditional history.
As You celebrate the 7th anniversary of your coronation, I congratulate His Eminence and the good people of Ibusa Kingdom on behalf of my family, the Grassroots Publishers and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is my prayer that the legacy of peace, harmony, prosperity, and steadfastness progress which the Ibusa Kingdom has witnessed during your reign will endure perpetually even as Almighty God blesses you with robust health and many more years of fulfillment.
“The ideals of uncommon patriotism, unassailable piety, sterling leadership qualities which you epitomize, are worthy traits which will continue to inspire us in our national transformation efforts. May God continue to protect His Eminence and bless the people of Ibusa Kingdom and our nation, Nigeria.” Once again, I heartily congratulate His Eminence on his 7th Coronation Anniversary. I wish our dear Ikwele Owouta, God’s guidance, good health, long life and prosperity on the throne.
By : Ike Abiagom
