I followed the conduct of late Omu Anioma with special interest. She became Omu Anioma by the acquiescence of people of good will due to the intrinsic personal qualities she exuded and exhibited. As an ambassador of the Anioma culture, she was classical. As a spokesperson of Anioma, she excelled. Of course her personality was captivating.
However one thing is clear: there is no post or position in the Anioma communal setting as Omu Anioma . But she occupied one in a symbolic fashion. And until the circumstances of that symbolism crops up, I can’t see the emergence of another Omu Anioma because no structure exists for such a stool.
She was also the Omu Okpanam which was real and not symbolic. How she performed her functions as Omu Okpanam is a matter for Okpanam people to deal with according to their traditions and internal rules and regulations.
For us, the larger Anioma community, as distinct from the micro community of Okpanam, OMU DUNKWU, OUR OMU ANIOMA, performed exceedingly and excellently well. She therefore deserves reciprocal farewell treatment.
May her dignified presence and exit from Anioma reward us with our rightful place in the comity of nationalities in Nigeria . Join me to echo Amen and amen. Austin Uwandulu
