Sam Mbakwe Airport Stands Still as Eze Ohanweh Returns from Medical Trip Abroad
..Monarch Commends Uzodimma, Tony Chukwu for Compassionate Support
Photo : Eze Ohanweh in white regalia greeting his kinsmen and by his left is the wife, Ugoeze Ruth Ohanweh.
Photo 2 : Eze Ohanweh and his Ugoeze triggered royal dance steps inline with his community women dancing.
By Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Sam Mbakwe International Airport, Owerri, Imo State, witnessed a colourful royal reception last Thursday as hundreds of community members, friends, family members, associates and well-wishers turned out to welcome the traditional ruler of Isiama Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, HRH Eze Dr. Oliver Chinedu Ohanweh, popularly known as Obi Gburu Gburu, following his return from medical treatment in Istanbul, Turkey.
The revered monarch, who returned to Nigeria after spending almost a month receiving treatment at Liv Hospital in Istanbul, arrived at the airport at exactly 12:45 p.m. aboard Value Jet Airline, looking hale and hearty.
His arrival triggered an atmosphere of jubilation, thanksgiving and cultural celebration as members of his cabinet, traditional institutions, women groups, youths and other well-wishers gathered to receive him and his wife, Ugoeze Ruth Ohanweh.
The reception was marked by traditional music, drumming, dancing, praise songs and the display of colourful cultural regalia, reflecting the affection and admiration the people of Isiama have for their traditional ruler.
The monarch expressed profound gratitude to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; renowned businessman, Chief Tony Chukwu, popularly known as Onweghi Ihe Kariri Chineke; HRM Eze Dr. Cletus Ilomuanya, Chief (Dr.) Alexander Chika Okafor (OON), a Nigerian industrialist and businessman as well as his wife, Ugoeze Ruth Ohanweh, whom he credited with playing significant roles in his recovery and return home.
Eze Ohanweh, who appeared visibly delighted by the massive turnout, received a royal welcome from the airport tarmac, where members of his cabinet and their wives, dressed in their distinctive traditional attires, joined journalists and other dignitaries to receive him.
Airport personnel and members of the flight crew also demonstrated respect for the royal father, who appeared pleasantly surprised by the warm reception accorded him.
The excitement continued at the airport’s arrival entrance, where his royal umbrella and guards stood ready to escort him, while cabinet members, family members and friends displayed welcome banners and sang songs of praise and thanksgiving.
The atmosphere assumed the character of a cultural carnival as flutists and traditional drummers entertained the gathering, while prominent personalities exchanged pleasantries with the returning monarch.
One of the most memorable moments was the appearance of women from the ancient Isiama community in their beautifully coordinated traditional outfits.
The women danced enthusiastically in celebration of their monarch’s return, prompting Eze Ohanweh and his wife to join the cultural troupe in dancing, to the delight and applause of onlookers.
A major highlight of the airport reception was the presentation of a two-page welcome address to the monarch by the administrative leadership of Isiama Autonomous Community.
The address, signed by the President-General, Emeka Iwueze, Esq.; Cabinet Chairman, Prince Chukwuma Ohanweh; Cabinet Secretary, Chief Kevin Ihekwoaba; and Public Relations Officer, Chief Zeb Onuegbu, was read by Chief Onuegbu.
In the address, the community described the monarch’s return as a moment of immense joy, thanksgiving and renewed hope for the kingdom.
”With joy in our hearts, songs on our lips, and drums of celebration in our land, we, the entire Cabinet Members, Ndi Nze na Ozo, Umu Nna, Umu Nne, our mothers, our wives, our youths, sons and daughters of Isiama Royal Kingdom both at home and in the Diaspora, gather here today at this Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport not just to receive a King, but to welcome our father, our pride, and our crown back home,” the address stated.
The community noted that the monarch’s absence had been deeply felt, describing Isiama as a kingdom that had temporarily missed its light.
”Your absence was felt, Your Highness. Isiama was like a kingdom without its light. The palace missed your voice. The land missed your footsteps. We counted days, we counted nights, waiting for this glorious Thursday when our King shall return to us safe, sound, healthy and refreshed from his well-deserved medical trip in Istanbul, the Republic of Turkey,” the address added.
The community further described Eze Ohanweh as a father to the fatherless, a source of hope to the hopeless and a custodian of Isiama’s traditions, culture and heritage.
According to the address, the monarch’s reign has brought peace, progress, unity and honour to Isiama, while his wisdom and leadership have continued to inspire the community and the wider Osuh Owerre Ward 1 and Isiala Mbano area.
The people expressed gratitude to God Almighty for preserving the monarch’s life and bringing him home safely, praying for a longer reign, continued wisdom and greater progress for the kingdom.
”As you step on the soil of Ala Igbo today, we pray that your return shall mark the beginning of greater things for Isiama. May your reign be long. May your wisdom never fail. May Isiama continue to rise and shine under your Royal Scepter.
”You are welcome, our King! You are welcome, our Father! You are welcome, Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanweh!” the address concluded.
Responding, Eze Ohanweh described his survival and recovery as a special demonstration of God’s grace and mercy, expressing deep appreciation to the individuals he said God used to give him another chance at life.
He particularly commended Governor Uzodimma for what he described as exceptional compassion, concern and unconditional love for him, his family and the entire Isiama Autonomous Community.
The monarch disclosed that he and his wife spent almost a month at Liv Hospital in Istanbul Turkey where he received medical attention from a team of approximately 11 medical consultants and professors.
”My being alive today is a special Grace and mercy of God. I am particularly grateful to Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chief Tony Chukwu, HRM Eze Dr. Cletus Ilomuanya and my wife, Ugoeze Ruth Ohanweh, among the special people God used to give me a second chance in life,” he said.
He added that the medical team had attended to him extensively and eventually gave him a clean bill of health.
”My wife and I spent almost a month at Liv Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, where I was attended to by about 11 qualified medical consultants and professors. We received medical attention to a level where we were given a clean bill of good health.
”Sympathetically, everybody who is somebody in Imo State and Nigeria was calling because they were aware of the nature of the illness before I left. But today, I am renewed. I am 50-50,” the monarch said.
Offering prayers for those who supported him during his health challenges, Eze Ohanweh wished them divine blessings, prosperity and elevation.
”My prayer is that those God used as instruments to give us life again, a new life, God will give them their own new life. God will prosper them, and God will lift them up, particularly my Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
”Uzodimma’s compassionate governance deserves emulation and commendation. Honestly, I will not hide it: he has shown me, my family and my autonomous community unconditional love. He is truly a friend and a brother, so quote me,” he declared.
The traditional ruler also expressed delight at the impressive turnout of his subjects and well-wishers, describing their demonstration of affection as overwhelming.
He said the reception had made him appreciate even more the bond between him and his people, noting that his brief absence had revealed the depth of their love and attachment to the throne.
”The love you people have always shown me, touches me and makes me behave as if I am an angel. I am so surprised seeing you all here. It has been only about a month, and you people have missed me so much,” he said.
The monarch expressed excitement about returning home with his people and anticipated a warm reception awaiting him at his Wisdom Palace in Isiama.
He also acknowledged the spiritual support he received during his illness, particularly appreciating Rev. Fr. Gilbert Alaribe, Chaplain of Government House, Owerri, for organising Sunday Mass services for him.
”I am specially indebted to Rev. Fr. Gilbert Alaribe, the Chaplain of Government House, Owerri, who organises Mass services for me every Sunday. I wish he were here, alongside other clergymen who have been praying for me,” he added.
The celebration continued at the Wisdom Palace, Isiama, where hundreds of constituents, community stakeholders and distinguished personalities from Imo State and beyond gathered to welcome the monarch.
The Palace reception featured cultural dances, traditional performances and seven cannon-gun salutes in honour of the returning royal father.
Guests were also treated to an array of sumptuous local delicacies and drinks, which were generously provided and distributed as the community continued its celebration of the monarch’s safe return.
The occasion ended on a note of thanksgiving, joy and renewed hope, with the people of Isiama expressing gratitude to God for the recovery of their traditional ruler and praying for his continued good health, long life and a peaceful reign.
