In a grand and spiritually-charged ceremony held during the 2025 Nwafor Ogbunike Masquerade Festival, Ichie Dr. Chuma-Odili Harris Udokamma, popularly known as Ogene Ogbunike, was conferred with the distinguished traditional title of “Eze Odinana of Ogbunike”.
The event, held at the heart of the ancient Ogbunike community, was hosted by Otu Odinana Ogbunike—the supreme body comprising the community’s chief priests, native doctors, herbalists, and cultural custodians.
The prestigious honour was awarded in recognition of Dr. Chuma-Odili’s unwavering commitment to the preservation and promotion of Ogbunike’s rich spiritual heritage, cultural identity, and indigenous knowledge systems.
The colourful occasion, which coincided with the peak of the annual Nwafor Festival, attracted traditional title holders, masquerade troupes, cultural groups, youth and women leaders, and dignitaries from across the six villages of Ogbunike.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of Otu Odinana, Akajiofor Okwuosa Charles Okwudili, hailed the honouree as a “fearless cultural renaissance advocate” and commended his efforts in bridging the gap between modernity and ancient tradition.
Akajiofor Okwuosa said, “Ogene Ogbunike has remained a fearless advocate for the dignity of our ancestors and the revival of our sacred customs. Bestowing on him the title Eze Odinana is a recognition of his divine calling and lifelong dedication to the cultural awakening of Ogbunike and the wider Ani Igbo”.
The title “Eze Odinana”, which translates to Custodian of Indigenous Culture and Spirituality, is a spiritual and cultural honour reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional devotion to Odinana—the traditional belief system and way of life of the Igbo people.
In his emotional acceptance speech, Dr. Chuma-Odili thanked the Otu Odinana Council for the honour and dedicated it to all defenders of Igbo spirituality.
Ogene Ogbunike said, “This award is not just for me—it is for every son and daughter of Ogbunike who believes in the power of identity, tradition, and spiritual pride. I will continue to use my voice, platform, and influence to uphold the dignity of our people and restore respect for our ancient ways”.
The momentous event featured ritual blessings, traditional dance, breaking of kolanuts, and the presentation of the symbolic staff of tradition—the Ofo—to the newly installed Eze Odinana.
The title marks yet another defining moment in the life of Ogene Ogbunike, widely recognized for his cultural advocacy, community service, and media influence. His elevation has been received with wide acclaim across Anambra State and beyond, especially among those championing the revival of African indigenous systems.
As the drums faded and the ancestral chants echoed through the community square, one message stood clear: Ogbunike is proud of its heritage, and it honours those who uphold it.
