History Of Achina In Anambra State- Must Read

Achina is a town in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, West Africa. The inhabitants are members of the Igbo people.

Coordinates: 5°57′0″N & 7°7′0″E.

Achina is a town of about 20,000 inhabitants in what is the heartland of Igbo country in south eastern Nigeria. It is bordered in the north by Onneh and Agbudu, to the south by Umuchu, Akokwa and Uga, to the east by Enugu-Umuonyia and to the west by Amesi and Akpo. There is evidence that Achina has been inhabited for more than 1,000 years, and falls within the area covered by Nri culture, the best illustration of which are the Igbo Ukwu bronzes. These demonstrate exquisite iron-working skills, a sophisticated spiritual and political system, and a well-developed agricultural and commercial system.

It is believed that the core of the people who first settled in Achina migrated from the Okigwe escarpment, like most of their neighbours. They were later joined by migrants from other parts of Igbo land as the ebb and flow of movements continued over several generations. Some Achina people even later moved to found other communities, such as Urualla in current Imo State.
Legend and oral tradition has it that the founders of the three neighbouring towns of Amesi, Akpo and Achina were siblings whose homesteads enlarged to become separate communities. But the closeness of the three communities is to this day reflected in shared similarities of dialect, customs and sayings. However, a common culture extends beyond the three communities, encompassing the entire Aguata, Orumba, Ideato and Arondizuogu axis.

Among its neighbours Achina people are renowned for doggedness, courage and enterprise, those exemplars for which Igbo people have come to be known worldwide. Therefore, Achina is a classic Igbo community: republican and democratic, maintaining a fine balance between the needs of the individual and the community, while upholding the right of all to freedom of expression.
Achina is immensely blessed with richness in socio-cultural and economic endowments, coupled with their ancestral relationship with Amesi, Akpo and Urualla {Imo State}. Their relationship with Akpo and Amesi is as a result of the trio belonging to one ancestral father. According to an ancestral history of the trio, their ancestral mother is called Amaiyi. Their relationship with Urualla is as a result of her indigenous hunters who voyaged into searching for animals, and later decided to settle there for ease of conveyance. Achina exhibits two climatic seasons, the rainy season {late March to late November}, and harmattan {late November to mid March}. The extended period of her rainy season accounts for rich and fertile soil, which is responsible for serial increase in agricultural products.

Achina indigenes views agriculture as a way of sustaining livelihood, and as well, improving economic development. Her agricultural outputs ranges from palm oil, yam, cassava, maize, okra, cocoyam, palm nuts, melon seeds, palm kernel oil, vegetables, pepper, garden eggs, etc. Her fertile soil grows trees like mahogany, cedar, bamboo, afara, timber, etc. Many types of edible fruit trees grows on her soil, and they ranges from palm, pear, mango, orange, cashew, guava, plantain, banana, pineapple, apple {Udara}, grape, lime, ugiri, bread fruit, etc. Achina has three main villages which include; Ebele, Umueleke and Umuezeiyi respectively. Ebele village has common boundaries with Umuchu and Amesi. Ebele village has kindred fellows such as Ako-Ohia, Loolo-Oma, Ebei, Umulekwe and Abuudum. Ebele village has a sub-division {Isi-Achina} as a result of cumbersome autonomous activity. Umueleke village is also unique and exquisite, coupled with rocky and contoured hinterland. Umueleke village has kindred fellows such as Umuezenwegbu, Umuezeofor, Umuozugbo, Umuokparaji etc. Umueleke village shares common boundaries with Umuchu, Enugwu-Umuonyia and Onneh town respectively. Umuezeiyi village is also not left out. She has a large area of land, with sub-villages like Umuloolo, Imenwe and Ebenaato. Umuezeiyi's land map is like that of Chile in South America; shallow and long. She encompasses a long area of land, with some shallow features, because some parts of her land is covered by Ezekoro forest!

Ezekoro forest (Ohia-Ezekoro) runs from Mbara-Orie abattoir and nearly extends up to Ugwunganga hill.

Ezekoro stream is widely characterized with its 246 steps from motor lane down to where its stream is located. The area that surrounds the mouth of the entrance is called "Ihe-Obiji". She has a dam called Odele, which is located at the boundary between her and Enugwu-Umuonyia. Achina is also blessed with streams such as:
• Iyi-Ezekoro
• Iyi-Ohuru
• Iyi-Onneh
• Iyi-Ikpa
• Ekuro
• Iyi-Umunwanchi, etc.
These streams supplies water for domestic, agricultural and personal purposes. The famous Ezekoro stream is located beside St. Peter’s college, Achina. Ezekoro stream was adopted from the name of the famous deity called ”Alusi-Ezekoro”.

Although, these streams has been apparently displaced by both government and individually constructed borehole projects!

Achina indigenes comprehends socialization cum communication as a paraphernalia towards achieving a mutual relationship between two or more towns, she has two major market squares; her Orie and Eke market respectively. Her Orie market is centre-located with unique and exquisite features, which reasonably allure other towns like Akpo, Amesi, Umuchu, Enugwu-Umuonyia, Ogboji, Onneh etc. Her Orie market round about, popularly known as; “Mbara Orie”, serves as a “Pearl of Tourism” during the festive periods. Mbara-Orie is popularized with remote features, such as inter-town connecting routes, and a unique round-about for ease of road access! Her Eke market is located in Ebele village with similarities to that of her Orie market. Her Eke market provides connecting routes to Umuchu and Amesi town. Her Eke market round-about also provides ease of access to both public and private road users. Achina also have a new developing market square known as “Nkwo Achina”. 

When coming from Onneh to Achina, it is located at the mouth of Ugwunganga hill. The market, although in a developing stage, possesses a portable and unique landscape, with bamboo trees which provides shelter for dealers and customers at large.

• Mbara Orie, Achina before rehabilitation of Roads

On 29th December 2009, Nze Godwin Nnaemeka Obiora was installed the Eze-Idegwu III of Achina in a very colourful ceremony unprecedented in the annals of Chieftaincy coronation in Anambra State. He thence became, His Royal Highness, Igwe Godwin Nnaemeka Obiora, (Eze-Idegwu III of Achina). He took his queue in line of history of Igwe Achina as the Eze-Idegwu the III of Achina, after a long drought of kingship, which can be traced down to 1996, after the death of Igwe Micheal Zebendilo Okpala. She also celebrates some traditional festivals of which are codenamed "EZEKORO DAY" and "IDEGWU DAY", which takes place at "Amaiyi Ground", coupled with a 2-day masquerade parade. New Yam Festival is also not left out in Achina, as she celebrates it as well. Achina also boosts of citadels of learning, such as: • Peter University, Achina.
• St. Peter's special science school, Achina {merged}.
• St. Peter's college, Achina.
• New Era comprehensive secondary school, Achina.
• Girl's secondary school, Achina, etc.
St. Peter's special science school, Achina have been merged with St. Peter's College, Achina as instructed by Anambra State Education Board that a separate science school in Anambra State should be merged with their respective secondary school.
Achina town has four main Roman Catholic Churches, namely;

• St. Charles Catholic Church, Achina.
• St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Achina.
• St. Mary's Catholic Church, Achina.
• Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Achina.
St. Charles Catholic Church, Achina was made parish in the year 1945, and it is located a few meters away from Mbara-Orie, when heading to Onneh town from her Orie market. And that of St.Mary’s Catholic Church, Achina was made parish in the year 1996, and it is located beside her Eke market in Ebele village. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Achina was made parish in the year 2000, and it is located along Achina – Onneh road at the bottom end of Ugwunganga hill. Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Achina is just an annex to St. Charles Catholic Church, Achina. Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Achina is located along Achina – Umuchu road, near Dimude’s Family residence in Umueleke Achina. As an annex, she is still in her developing stage!
She also has three Anglican Churches such as:

• All Saints Anglican Church, Achina.
• St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Achina.
• Christ Church Anglican Church, Achina, etc.
Achina is also blessed with a host of other Pentecostal Churches. Some of them include:

• Mountain of Fire Mission, Achina.
• Christ Embassy Mission, Achina.
• Deeper Life Bible Church, Achina.
• Assemblies of God Mission, Achina.
• Living Faith Mission, Achina.
• Redeem Christian Church of God Mission, Achina.
• Salvation Army Church, Achina
• Jehovah Witness Mission, Achina.
• Grace of God Mission, Achina.
• Watchman Christian Ministry, Achina.

St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Achina is located in Ebele village. Christ Church Anglican Church, Achina is located along Mbara-Orie – Umuchu road, near Ugwu-Umunwanchi hill in Umueleke Achina, whereas All Saints Anglican Church, Achina is located adjacent to Peter University, Achina also a home to St. Peter’s College, Achina. She has a deanery seat, in catholic terms, it is called "Achina Deanery". Achina is also blessed with numerous clergies, ranging from Monsignors, Rev. Fathers, Rev. Sisters, Pastors and a host of other clergies.

• HER RELIGION FACT!
Anglican Church first came into existence in Achina in the year 1910, while Roman Catholic Church came later in the year 1912. St. Charles Catholic Church, Achina was made parish in the year 1945. While St. Mary assumed a parish in 1995. Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Achina that have not been made a parish, serves as an annex to St. Charles Catholic Church, Achina was built in year 2012.

• THE CHRONICLES OF TRADITIONAL CHIEFTAINCY INSTITUTION IN ACHINA
The evolutionary trend of existence in Achina was the same as with most places in Igbo land. Then, "state of nature" kind of living was predominant while traditional values and respect for elders was of predominant consideration. This era was quickly replaced by an era of representation by bravery and gallantry. During this era, the town had to search for brave men/warriors to represent the town and provide leadership in the event of external aggression. Such brave ones sustained their legitimacy by collaborating/consulting regularly with the elders. The next was the era of indirect rule by the colonial authorities. This system of governance was alien to Achina people.

• THE ERA OF COLONIAL AUTHORITY
Before the arrival of the colonial masters, the Northern Protectorate had Emirates, the West Obas as political and military authorities. The south was largely Republican relying on Leadership of Council of Elders and Age Grades. With British colonization and division of Nigeria into Northern and Southern protectorates, the colonial masters forced indirect rule that led to the appointment of unpopular stooges and cronies in the East.

Lord Fredrick Lugard assumed the position of the Northern protectorate in 1900 and established indirect rule after subduing local resistance. This system called for governing the people through their rulers. In the North, he transformed caliphate officials into district heads and used them as agents of government for policing and tax collection.
In 1906, the indirect rule was eventually extended to the Southern protectorate. While it found a ready vehicle in the Obaship structure in the West, the story was stiff resistance in the East where elaborate governance structures did not exist. Before Independence, the new legitimacy to traditional rulers, created the House of Chiefs. Since the East had no Chiefs to sit with the Emirs and Obas, the government of the day mandated communities to create Chiefdoms in the East.

• THE DAWN OF WARRANT CHIEFS
In 1912, Aguata was established as a district in Onitsha Province with Mr. P.V. Mein as the district officer. Applying the Lugard model of indirect rule, the district officer selected three people from each, of the three component villages of Achina as agents of the government for policing and tax collection. Mr. Ezenwobodo was selected from Umuezeiyi while Mr. Alfred Ezekei was selected from Ebele among others. The same selections were made from other towns that make up the newly established colonial district with Aguata as Headquarters.

Two years later, precisely 1914, there was what would appear as an industrial revolution in which these selected men in government reproached the district officer based on a few injustices meted on them. The British imperialists felt challenged and arrested all these agents from the different towns and locked them up in the prison at the district headquarters in Aguata. Achina as a town known for their bravery and gallantry found this abduction of their men very insulting and unacceptable. Rather than negotiating for their release, Achina mobilized and attacked the prison, and released all the inmates without exception. The district officer, dumbfounded by the action of Achina community, called for reinforcement from the Provincial Resident Commissioner at Onitsha, who subsequently sent down a platoon of soldiers to attack Achina community. The reinforcement was ambushed and humiliated. 

This battle lasted for over seven months as Achina resorted to guerilla war-fare when they were over powered by the British forces eventually. It was in the midst of this confusion that Ezenwobodo was taken away and he never returned again to Achina. The relationship between Achina and these imperialist remained sour until Chief Umezinwa of Nkpologwu brokered peace between Achina and the colonial masters. The outcome of this peace initiative led to the appointment of Chief Ogbuozobe from Umuezeiyi, Ezeonyeka from Umueleke, and Ezenwamma from Ebele as warrant Chiefs. The men remained the eye of the government and voice of the people until the end of this era.

It is this encounter and resistance to imperialism that gave Achina the name "Achina-di-egwu" from where they derived the name “Achina Idegwu”, the name for which Achina had since been known. It is important to mention here that the warrant chiefs were installed through the warrant of the white colonial masters over the clans of Igbo land. They did not derive their authority from their people but from the white man's government. Most of them were tyrants, despotic and bullies who could go to any length to oppress the natives with excessive taxation. However, some were equally intelligent, humane and considerate; hence they wielded influence and respect from their subjects. At the end of the era of warrant chiefs, there was a brief period of inter-regnum, and because nature abhors vacuum, Achina Progressive Union was born to close this gap.

• THE ERA OF DISTRICT COUNCIL
After the era of warrant chiefs also came the era of district council administration and creation of clans in each district. This led to the creation of clans in each district. This led to the creation of Mbamisi clan and later Mbara-Orie clan in Aguata district council. Achina also had at various times representations at the district council, though not without the challenges of political maneuvers. In 1953, Mr. John Onwumelu was elected the district councilor representing Achina in Aguata district council. His election was unfortunately overturned by petition from Mr. Patrick Okpalaugo. After one year without representation at the district council, another election was held which saw Mr. Micheal Okpala as the winner. 

Again Mr. Patrick Okpalaugo petitioned and overturned his election. This development infuriated Umueleke village who incidentally won the sympathy of Ebele village as well, while Umuezeiyi stood behind their own Mr. Patrick Okpalaugo of Umuezeiyi and Mr. Micheal Okpala of Umueleke. The result of this election wasn't surprising when Mr. Micheal Okpala emerged as the winner representing Achina in Aguata district council in 1956 and later emerged as the first chairman of the council. This election marked the emergence of two-third majority in Achina, in selection and election.

• THE ERA OF TRADITIONAL RULERSHIP IN EASTERN NIGERIA
In developing the political Structures/Institutions preparatory for Nigeria's Independence, the need to retain and include in the structure, a place for the Emirs and Obas led to the creation of the House of Emirs and Obas in the North and West respectively. The West which had neither Emirs nor Obas hurriedly created the House of Chiefdoms from whom representatives to the House of Chiefs would be selected/elected.

• Mbara-Orie after rehabilitation of roads

• THE ENTHRONEMENT OF IGWE JOB EZEMUOKWE AS THE OBI OF ACHINA
The end of the era of the warrant chiefs, gave way to the coming of Achina Progressive Union (A.P.U) who in cooperation with the elected councilors formed the local administrative organ of the town. Before 1958, chieftaincy was not an issue in Achina. With the creation of House of Chiefs by the Eastern Nigeria Legislative house in Enugu in the late 1950s, the district council introduced the traditional rulers' membership into the local council administration. In response to a government request for Achina to identify and select a candidate for government recognition as the traditional ruler of Achina, the councilors representing Achina, namely; Mr. C.U. Uduji, Mr. Mel Uduji and Mr. D.N. Mbachu via a letter dated 21/3/59 forwarded the name of Job Ezemuokwe to the district officer and at the same time copied this letter to A.P.U executives. The A.P.U executive in a swift response to this development appointed a three man committee to search for the right candidate for this position following due process without prejudice to the decision of the councilors. Members of the committee were: Don Chuks Nwosu representing Umuezeiyi village, Peter Ezeh representing Umueleke village and Goddy Ezeuko representing Ebele village.

The committee unanimously identified and recommended Mr. Job Ezemuokwe from Ebele village as the right person for this position as selected and elected by the councilors. However, the committe in their recommendations observed that Achina is a confederation of three villages united by a common defense purpose. Hence, they also recommended that the traditional rulership of Achina should rotate among the three confederation units that make up Achina, namely, Ebele, Eleke and Ezeiyi, in this order. While A.P.U had no difficulty in unanimously confirming the candidature of Job Ezemuokwe, there was no consensus on the issue of rotation. It is important to note that the same meeting that set up the selection committee also took further steps to set up an installation/coronation committee to plan for the eventual coronation of any candidate so identified and selected. It was like cleaning yourself before going to the toilet because the assumptions made by A.P.U that the ride was going too smooth all through did not create any room for possible dissention and negotiation of any differences arising from such committee report. Unfortunately, the committee report was not a smooth sail in its entirety. Umueleke village, wanting to pay back on the electoral victory of Mr. Mike Okpala over Mr. Patrick Okpalugo in 1956 joined Ebele village to vote in favour of the principle of non-rotation of the traditional institution among the three villages.
This was another case of two-third majority. Umuezeiyi village refused to yield to the gang up and blackmail and remained resolute on the issue of rotation. Because two third majorities operated as a principle in taking decisions in Achina, Umueleke and Ebele had their way as their position of non-rotation was adopted by A.P.U in their general meeting of December 1959. On the basis of this, Igwe Job Ezemuokwe was declared Obi elect by A.P.U in this meeting. This insensitivity to minority opinion was the foundation of Achina political crisis. It led to the slogan "Iku ekwe nwanne na-ahia" because Umuezeiyi took their protest to the market square to announce that nobody of Umuezeiyi extraction should attend the coronation of Igwe Job Ezemuokwe as the Obi of Achina scheduled for February 20th, 1960 as announced in the same meeting of December 1959.
Igwe Job Ezemuokwe was therefore installed the Obi of Achina on 20th February 1959, an occasion nurtured, planned and implemented by Achina Progressive Union under the leadership of Chief Ben Ezenwa, and celebrated by entire Achina Community. It is interesting to note that, while searching for a traditional ruler, the district officer in Awka created Mbara-Orie clan and requested each town within the catchment area to present three nominations to constitute the new clan membership. In response, Achina presented the trio of Mr. C. Uduji from Ebele, Mr. Nobert Ezeani from Umueleke, and Mr. Mel Uduji from Umuezeiyi who were the councilors at that time. Mike Okpala apparently being interested in this contest approached Mr. Nobert Ezeani to step down for him so that he could take the Umueleke slot, which he did. This was a gentleman's agreement. Being a man of destiny, he was nominated and elected as the clan-head of "Mbara-Orie clan" which comprised:
• Achina
• Umuchu
• Akpo
• Amesi
• Enugu-Umuonyia
• Umuomaku
• Agbudu and Onneh.
This led to his titled being changed from Mr. M.Z.C Okpala to Chief M.Z.C Okpala. The sour relationship between Umuezeiyi village on one hand and the rest of the town on the other hand, arising from the coronation of Igwe Job Ezemuokwe as the Obi of Achina without resolving the issue of rotation continued for three years. Thus, the first challange of the new Igwe was to fix the broken unity of Achina which came to test in 1963 during the Akpo - Achina communal crisis. Soon after the crisis, it was clear to everyone that the unity of the town was not negotiable if it must remain "Egbe Buru Oku Asoghi Anwuru". The lessons of this communal crisis led to the convocation of a peace initiative by Chief P.C Ezeanuna in which the following resolutions were taken at the Obi's palace.

It is right that Ebele village should produce the "Obi of Achina" while the "Isi-Obi" of Umueleke and Umuezeiyi should produce the "Oji-Ofor" of their respective villages.
Umuezeiyi should sheat their sword and support the "Obi of Achina" in the interest of Peace and Unity of the town.

This decision was unanimously adopted by A.P.U in their general meeting of December 1963 as a consensus and was even celebrated. It is on record that the decision led to the search of the "Ojiofors" of Umueleke and Umuezeiyi respectively. Umueleke traced theirs to Ezeonyeka family in Umuezenwegbu Kindred and Umuezeiyi traced theirs to Nnadozie family in Imenwe. It is also worth mentioning here that the selections of “Isi Obi” in the three villages were fraught with controversies before settling for the families mentioned above. With the adoption of the resolutions of the peace initiative convened by Chief P.C Ezeanuna at the A.P.U meeting of 1963, Igwe Job Ezemuokwe enjoyed a peaceful reign and support of all the villages with many projects and achievements credited to his reign. This relative peace and development reigned until 1976 when the government of East-Central State published the white paper on chieftaincy matters. This document requires every community to identify and select their traditional ruler in accordance with their traditional usage and present same to the government for recognition. As fate may have it, this request from government came when Achina as a community had in place an A.P.U caretaker committee under the leadership of Ichie G.C Ogbuozobe after many years of inactivity occasioned by civil crisis in the country. As a matter of fact, the white paper threw many towns into confusion and controversies, Achina inclusive.
In response to this white paper, A.P.U leadership as the administrative organ of the town, in their executive meeting resolved as follows:

Obi Job Ezemuokwe undisputedly is the Obi of Achina and should remain so until death. That since the government is planning to recognize identified and selected person as "Igwe", the community should search for a vibrant, young and knowledgeable person with political gut to attract government attention and interventions for the speedy development of the Town. Both the "Obi" and "Igwe" must work co-operatively and the "Igwe" must always carry the Obi along in all things since both have a common goal and constituency.

This marriage pact appeared attractive to the ordinary eye but one question was begging for an answer in the minds of men and women of goodwill. The question is this, what is the difference between the office of the "Obi of Achina" and the "Igwe of Achina"? Is the difference, if any, real or mere semantics? No wonder, when the A.P.U decision passed through the X-ray machine of Ebele Development Movement (EDM), it was adjudged to be cancerous and was therefore found unacceptable to them. The dissention was the birth and origin of the second chieftaincy crisis in Achina. This again brought a division within the rank and file of A.P.U care-taker committee. This led to the reading of the white paper to the general meeting of A.P.U hoping to get a consensus at the floor of the general meeting. In that meeting, every section or interest group arguably fought desperately to ensure that their position held sway and both parties pretended to be working in the interest of Achina and posterity. Unfortunately, nobody ever saw and thought of the consequences of not getting it right, by resolving the matter internally.

 This meant that no lesson was learnt from the first crisis that led to "Iku ekwe nwanne na-ahia". Since Achina could not resolve this matter arising from "Odenigwe white paper" internally, the government of Anambra State then raised the Agbakoba Commission of Enquiry to resolve all chieftaincy controversies in the state, Achina inclusive. To this Panel of Enquiry, the A.P.U now made up of Umueleke and Umuezeiyi presented Chief M.Z.C Okpala as the candidate identified and selected according to Achina traditional usage while EDM presented Igwe Job Ezemuokwe as the incumbent and selected candidate according to Achina traditional usage. Nevertheless, despite these confusions and controversies, in November 1977, the then military governor of Anambra State, Lt. Col. John Atom Kpera returned Igwe Job Ezemuokwe as the duly identified, selected and installed Traditional Ruler of Achina and gave him Certificate of Recognition.

The action of the State Government which some saw as divine intervention brought more division and polarity than the peace which it was designed to achieve. Two clear and distinct groups emerge in Achina. EDM with few apostles from Umueleke and Umuezeiyi on one side and Eleke na Ezeiyi (A.P.U) on the other side. Both groups engaged in legal ping pong for many years, about 14 years and over until there was divine intervention through natural selection. Again several peace initiatives were put in place to resolve this dispute internally outside the court room, but to no avail. The entire clergy in Achina made attempts, Umuada Achina cultural group made attempts, Amesi Royal family made attempts and the Anambra State Government House under the leadership of His Excellency, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife made attempts all to no avail. When all human efforts failed, there was divine intervention, but these were the darkest periods in Achina history.

• THE MAN IGWE JOB EZEMUOKWE, THE OBI OF ACHINA (EZE IDEGWU I)
HRH Igwe Job Ezemuokwe was a symbol of humility, peace, love and a king with honour and respect in his land. If there was anything he cherished most, it was peace and love for the unity of Achina. He was very fast in Achina Tradition and Custom and his house was not only a tourist centre but a museum with a collection of artifacts that depicts the history of Achina as a people and as warriors. His simplicity endeared him to everyone who ever came across him. He trusted God and carried his cross all through the rough times of his reign and followed Christ. He relied so much on destiny and never claimed what he was not. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen!

• THE ENTHRONEMENT OF IGWE M.Z.C. OKPALA (THE EZEUDA II OF ACHINA)
In 1991, the government set up another commission of enquiry to ascertain the genuineness of the various petitions and protests registered by A.P.U against the perceived injustice meted on their candidate Chief M.Z.C. Okpala. This time, the Ezeaku Committee of Enquiry was raised by the government of the day and the committee did not have any difficulty as the Agbakoba Committee of Enquiry, partly because Igwe Job Ezemuokwe and EDM refused to make their representation to the committee for reasons yet to be made public by EDM, but the price is unquantifiable and the outcome pitiable. Igwe M.Z.C. Okpala was accordingly given a "Certificate of Recognition" by the military governor of Anambra State Lt. Col. Herbert Obi Ezeh on 26th July, 1991 and was equally installed the Igwe and Ezeuda II of Achina on 29th August, 1992. He occupied this position until his death in 1995 and subsequent burial in January 1996. It is also important to consign to history that the death of Igwe M.Z.C. Okpala in December 1995 did not lead to the closure of the legal tussles between A.P.U and EDM, as the later went to court even at the death of Igwe M.Z.C. Okpala to secure an injunction that he should not be buried as Igwe of Achina irrespective of his recognition. This was collaborated with a publication in Daily Champion of December 8th, 1995 in an announcement titled "The false claim to Igweship of Achina". An attempt to humiliate the dead. The Igwe's children however in their father's exultation saw this as one of the last trial in a hero's life.

• THE MAN IGWE M.Z.C. OKPALA - THE EZEUDA II OF ACHINA (EZE-IDEGWU II)
Igwe M.Z.C Okpala had a peaceful reign as the Igwe of Achina from 1991 to 1995. Inspite of his short reign, he had charisma and contributed immensely to the development of Achina. He believed in building bridges through which he projected the name of the community beyond boarders. He was a politician, philosopher and a king. A very dedicated leader and practiced his Catholic faith till death. More importantly, he was an Achina man to the core, as no man, including his perceived enemies doubted his involvement and indelible contribution in putting Achina on the map economically, socially, politically, religiously and educationally. He was the man of his people and the man of the moment. Though simple, his contemporaries dreaded him because of his courage. What made him most outstanding of all his peers was that he was a person who rightly sought the exercise of political power and who therefore pursued and easily got that which he actually desired. He was an embodiment of industry, civility, humility and generosity. May his soul rest in peace Amen!

• THE BIRTH OF ACHINA TOWN UNION (A.T.U)
The death of Igwe M.Z.C. Okpala in 1995 and the subsequent death of Igwe Job Ezemuokwe in 2000 brought to an end, a generational battle for the office of Igwe of Achina. Consequently, the ATU was born following the Peace move by the Awka Group culminating in the setting up of a fifteen man care taker committee. One of the mandates given to the team was to restore all administrative organs/structures and institutions in Achina including traditional institutions and to put Achina on a fast track to development.

• RESOLUTION OF THE IGWESHIP IMPASSE
The key mandate of the young ATU was to resolve the impasse that had be-deviled the community between 1958 and 2000. The team put in place a committee that looked at the various reasons why past Igweship identification, selection and rulership were all besieged with unimaginable controversies and confusion, their findings were revealing and included but not limited to:

• No acceptable constitution was applied in the identification, selection and recognition of past traditional rulers.
• Traditional stools in Achina were filled only on government prompting not as a need or tradition.
• The processes of identification/selection/acceptance were not clearly defined in both cases.
• Past selections are motivated by group interest not overriding public interest. It has been a winner takes all.
• Lack of the principle of rotation in the traditional institution in line with the confederating nature of the town.
• The crowning of the first traditional ruler as "Obi" and not "Igwe" created room for doubt whether he was the Obi (Oji-Ofor) or Igwe of Achina or both.
• The confusion arising from the definition and duties of the office of the Isi-Obi or Ojiofor and that of Igwe.

Confronted with these challenges, the team went in search of a chieftaincy constitution that addressed all these and other issues that could facilitate the identification, selection and acceptance of any Igwe in Achina.

• THE CHOICE OF “IDEGWU” AS A NAME FOR THE INSTITUTION IN ACHINA
One major issue addressed by the constitution is the system of naming our royal fathers. Recall that Igwe Job Ezemuokwe was installed "Obi of Achina" and Igwe M.Z.C. Okpala was installed "The Ezeuda II of Achina". ATU resolved to harmonize the nomenclature, since Achina has a single ancestral identity "IDEGWU". The town needed to use that to identify their traditional rulers since ancestral identity "Idegwu". The town needed to use that to identify their traditional rulers who should be recognized as "Eze-Idegwu". On what happens to the late traditional rulers, the team felt strongly that the new Igwe should not be named “Eze Idegwu the first”, because this would have suggested a denial of historical facts. The team then decided that in order to put things in their proper perspective, Igwe Job Ezemuokwe and Igwe M.Z.C Okpala should be honoured post humorously as Eze Idegwu I and Eze Idegwu II respectively, while the search would be for Eze Idegwu III.

• THE STRUGGLE FOR EZE IDEGWU III
When the issue of rotating the traditional stool among the villages was accepted, getting a consensus that the rotation should start from Umuezeiyi village was as difficult as agreeing on the principle of rotation itself. It all started with Ebele delegates in A.T.U saying that this is a new dispensation, and as such, all things shall become new and old things passed away. And if all things are new, the first shall always be the first, and have the first slot. This argument sounded very plausible but, the truth remains that all things were new except Achina. Since we agreed in principle to post-humorously honour Igwe Job Ezemuokwe and Igwe M.Z.C Okpala as Eze Idegwu I and II respectively, all subsequent steps remain "work in progress". Umueleke village delegates in their submission accepted that they had taken their slot with the ruler-ship of Igwe M.Z.C Okpala and since candidate exited by natural selection, they have no problem in accepting and supporting Umuezeiyi for the next slot of the traditional stool. Umuezeiyi delegates submitted that both Ebele and Eleke had had their turns since the first Igwe from Ebele, received government recognition and administered the town to the best of his ability and the same was applicable to the second Igwe from Umueleke. Justice and fairness demands that the next slot belong undisputedly to Umuezeiyi which is the third in the hierarchy. The second submission made by Ebele delegates was that the government notice that dethroned Igwe Job Ezemuokwe and enthroned Igwe M.Z.C Okpala reads in part.

"The government directed that the Igweship of Achina community should be rotational amongst the three villages of Achina, beginning with Ebele village after the incumbency of Chief M.Z.C Okpala".

This has a good resemblance to the address presented by the Achina Local Councilors to Igwe Job Ezemuokwe on the occasion of his coronation which reads in part, I quote; "Anytime the throne of Achina is vacant, the successor to the throne must be the most fit person from the King’s family." The delegates argued that we cannot accept in content and context, one part of a document and reject the other part. In other words, having accepted the dethronement of Igwe Job Ezemuokwe and enthronement of Igwe M.Z.C Okpala as contained in the first part of this document, we should also accept the second part that said rotation should start from Ebele village after the tenure of Igwe M.Z.C Okpala. To support their position, they presented a copy of the Daily Star Publication of July 27th, 1991 where this was publicized. After arguments and counter motions, we agreed that this view in principle and now requested the sponsors to bring the corresponding gazette, as this is the recognizable government instrument not newspaper publication. As fate may have it, the Old Anambra State Gazette No. 33 vol. 16 part B of 8/8/91 vividly described the dethronement and enthronement exercise in very clear terms. The newspaper publication was only a product of jaundiced reporting capable of causing confusion but we did not allow this to derail our journey hence we invoked the gazette. That settled the matter as a unanimous decision was now taken that Umuezeiyi should produce the next Igwe of Achina who should be the Eze Idegwu III.

• THE SEARCH FOR EZE-IDEGWU III
No sooner had the A.T.U Constitution be adopted and announcement made that Umuezeiyi should produce the next Igwe of Achina than the search for the right candidate started. A lot of interests came to bear. Every Kindred in Umuezeiyi wanted to have the first shot. Some wanted it desperately while others left an open mind about it. A lot of intrigues again came into play. At the end of the day, Umuezeiyi village meeting decided to adopt the principle of rotation as enshrined in A.T.U Constitution to resolve this matter. Imenwe village wanted it first because they are indisputably, the first. Umuloolo wanted it first since Imenwe was already occupying the position of Isi Obi. This contest was resolved gentlemanly through dialogue and not litigation. It was a win-win resolution. Imenwe got the stool in addition to the Isi Obi they already have, while Umuloolo got a split into two independent kindred that saw Gbirigbo and Umuagbaruo standing alone as a kindred. How Imenwe kindred eventually settled for two candidates presented to Achina are their internal matter. I do know that the present Igwe (Igwe Godwin Nnaemeka Obiorah) when approached categorically said "NO". When pressure was too much on him, he decided to be coming into Achina disguised, riding on Okada to go unnoticed, and sleeping in his uncompleted house to avoid being traced. He did employ all tricks at his disposal to escape this, until it was clear to him that it was the will of God that he must drink from this cup!.

• ELECTION OF “IGWE G.N OBIORAH” AS "EZE-IDEGWU III"
Section 98, sub-section (2) (a) and (b) clearly deals with the mode of selection and presentation of Igwe to the community. This process was not set in motion with the constitution of Dr. Ben Okpala screening committee who cleared Engr. Christopher Obiagba and Chief Godwin Obiorah, legitimate father of (Igwe Godwin Nnaemeka Obiorah), both of them from Imenwe Kindred, following due processes.
History was made on the 23rd December, 2009, when Achina community was given an opportunity for the first time to select their Igwe by standing behind him in the open hall of the civic centre. Though, the election was between two friends, it was keenly contested as adjudged by all, including observers, state government representatives, the local government council representatives, the police and other security operatives.
The election saw Chief Godwin Obiora emerge as the Igwe-elect and he was thereafter presented to Dr. Cyprain Afugo, the Chairman of Aguata Local Government Council who in turn presented him to the State Government. On 29th November, 2010, the executive governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi officially presented a "Certificate of Recognition" to Igwe G.N Obiorah as the Eze Idegwu III.

• ENTHRONEMENT AND INSTALLATION OF IGWE G.N OBIORAH AS EZE IDEGWU III
In compliance with section 100 and 101 of A.T.U Constitution, Achina community in a carnival like ceremony, enthroned and installed Igwe G.N Obiorah as the Eze Idegwu III of Achina on 29th December, 2010. As soon as the cap was placed on his head that day, the heavens opened with showers of blessings as it did at the baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ at River Jordan and as if God as saying "This my beloved son, follow him and listen to him".

• THE MAN “IGWE GODWIN NNAEMEKA OBIORAH” - (The Eze Idegwu III of Achina)
A fine gentleman and a man of few words. A good listener and humility personified. He is very unassuming but very calculating in his words and actions. He is a very intelligent young man and too intelligent for his age. He is a Christian to the core and practices his Christian faith with a passion. He is also a successful businessman. A man of the moment. His ascension to this exalted office is seen in many circles as divine. He commands respect and has taken dignity to the exalted throne. As a good listener he believes in consultation and rule of law. He is a team builder and a team player. He is very willing to learn from anybody but ever ready to discard unpopular opinions. He is a charismatic leader with natural inclination for industry, justice, peace and unity of Achina.

• THE EMERGENCE OF EZE-IDEGWU III OF ACHINA, IGWE GODWIN NNAEMEKA OBIORA – Ononenyi
We cannot discuss the present without reflecting on the past. It is said that a people that forgot their past are bound to relieve it. Our journey as a people in having an Igwe just like other communities was a tortuous one. We were like the Israelites when they traversed the desert with a traditional ruler chosen by the entire people of Achina, was not free from rancour, hatred, bitterness, searing animosity and vainglorious pursuit of man. The Chieftaincy Edict of 1976 became a curse to the people of Achina. It became the explosive that ignited the simmering discontentment over Igweship which has hitherto buried in the bowel of Achina history yet registered in the hearts of men. It refused to fade away despite the years of civil war and suffering in the land. Achina people like other Igbo people survived the Nigeria civil war, but we got ourselves plunged into a more bitter war. Do I say a war of attrition? A war that took us back by years and finally led to the balkanization of Achina Town. This may be because the actors lacked the spirit of sportsmanship. Do we learn anything? Time will tell. What is however manifest is that we are the worst for it?
A town without a leader is like a rudderless ship. Achina town is known for its resilience. But the absence of a traditional institution that would anchor the efforts of our sons and daughters was noticeable. Achina people yearned for Igwe all these years. Finally, on 23rd December, 2009, Nze Godwin Nnaemeka Obiora was elected unanimously as the Igwe-elect of Achina in the most transparent and democratic process to the satisfaction of the majority of the people.
On 29th December, 2009, Nze Godwin Nnaemeka Obiora was installed the Eze-Idegwu III of Achina in a very colourful ceremony unprecedented in the annals of Chieftaincy coronation in Anambra State. He thence became, His Royal Highness, Igwe Godwin Nnaemeka Obiora, (Eze-Idegwu III of Achina). He took his queue in line of history of Igwe Achina as the Eze-Idegwu the III of Achina.

• THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY
The foundation of the structure which we celebrate today could not have been laid without the concerted efforts of some patriotic sons and daughters of Achina. Achina community was thrown into disarray for years as a result of Chieftaincy tussle. The rallying point was made possible by some Achina elites resident in Lagos under the aegis of Achina United Organization. The chairman was Chief C.C. Nwuba. Dr. Emmanuel Ezeani was the secretary. Their activities which were development oriented, gave our people impetus to rally around them, though, not without sceptism. The people of Achina resident in Awka under the leadership of Dr. Francis Ezenduka took up the peace challenge that gave birth to the formation of a 15-man committee led by Chief Okey Okpalugo. Like a man destined to succeed, Chief Okey Okpalugo enjoyed the confidence of all. During his time, the 2003 Achina Town Union constitution was born. The constitution provided for the selection of an Igwe. This was the platform on which the regime of Chief Don Eze made the first move to have an Igwe in Achina. The committee selected to midwife it under Dr. Onubogu could not find a credible candidate. There was apathy. Credible men went into their shells. No well meaning son of Achina wanted to be identified with the institution that epitomized negativism in all ramifications as Chieftaincy stool was perceived them. His efforts were stalled. Chief Boniface Umenwofor (Ebubedike) took the bull by its horn. Thanks to his vice president, Chief Emma Akunne (Ezenwanolue). He had to paddle the canoe to the bank of the river at the time; gap was created in the leadership of the town. The executive constituted another Igweship screening exercise committee made of 16 men. It is on record that Chief Boniface Umenwofor regime gave the people of Achina the Eze-Idegwu III.

• THE COMMITTEE SCREENING EXERCISE
The screening committee subjected the candidates to a thorough screening exercise. They probed into the remotest part of the records of the candidates. The process focused it search-light on the incumbent Igwe and found him impeccable and a worthy material, fit to lead the great people of Achina.
The 16 man screening committee was led by our ebullient and patriotic son, Dr. Ben Okpala (Ide Achina) as the chairman. Ichie Nathan Umeorah was the Secretary. The result of their stewardship speaks for itself. That is what the town is celebrating today. Let it be placed on record that Lolo Ide remains an irreplaceable assert to Achina community. During this period, she rose to the occasion for the greatness of Achina. Almost every weekend, the committee members converged at Ide's house for the screening exercise. Lolo Ide was always available to play the good host. No member of the committee absented himself from the sitting as it lasted. You should know why it was so.

• SELECTION OF ICHIES
The 2003 constitution of Achina made provisions for the selection of Ichies to represent the various wards in Achina. The same constitution empowers the Igwe to appoint some Ichies. On the whole, the Igwe-in-Council consists of the Igwe and the Ichies. They were all screened by the same committee. Each village has Isi-Obi. The Isi-Obi of the three villages sit with Igwe-in-Council. In order to balance the tripod that is Achina in the distribution of offices, the office of Ikenga and Mkpisi were created and occupied in the order of rotation to be appointed by His Royal Highness as provided by the constitution. Igwe-in-council sits regularly to fashion out the best way to give Achina a new face after years of inertia. Some meaningful mile posts have been recorded in the form of reforms. The people of Achina indeed yearn for an institution of this nature. On 29th December, 2010, in the most colourful ceremony ever recorded in third part of the world, H.R.H Igwe Godwin Nnaemeka Obiora, the Eze-Idegwu III was installed. The people of Achina, both in Nigeria and Diaspora turned out en mass to herald the new era. A day God manifested His presence in Achina and gave approval to what the people did. A day that God demonstrated indeed that "Aka Chukwu di ya". A day the Almighty God showered His blessing on all the people of Achina, friends and well-wishers who came to witness the ceremony with heavenly shower of rains, immediately the crown was lifted and placed on the head of His Royal Highness in the heart of dry season, settling all dust and calming the harsh effect of weather. To God be the glory.

• THE WORKING OF IGWE-IN-COUNCIL
For the effective administration of Achina, the Igwe-in-Council constituted itself into committees of Ichies to oversee relevant aspects of the community. The committees are protocol/ceremonial committee, ethics and such August bodies like Umuada, Chairmen and Secretaries of Kindreds, Age grades etc have had meetings with Igwe to rub minds on the way to drive Achina forward on a speed but safe lane of development.

• IGWE-IN-COUNCIL SINGULAR AGENDUM
The Igwe-in-Council gave itself one term of reference justice to all. It is our belief that where justice thrives, people put in their best. Justice ushers in love. Love gives birth to peace. And the by-product of peace is development in all ramifications. The first and major assignment is to orientate our people starting from the family unit to the kindred, the village and Achina Town. Without justice, we cannot record any progress. But the greatest progress is a more enduring one is "building in our people, a new sense of justice to all". A just man does what is right at any given time. This is the new face of Achina, which is envisioned by H.R.H, Eze-Idegwu III and the Council. The pursuit for justice gave birth to the new arrangement where disputes between individuals from the same kindred shall first be entertained by the kindred (Umunna). Every kindred is expected to imbibe good sense of justice and to be sanctioned by the entire Achina community if a particular kindred presents itself as an anvil of injustice. 

The strength of Achina lies in just kindred. Hence, the Umunna registration and reorganization exercise. On arbitration - the Ochudo Arbitration Panel was set up. Lack of faith and confidence in Kindreds have given rise to the flooding of the palace with petitions from the most frivolous, domestic to very serious issues. This is not how it should be. The moment Kindreds assume their rightful place, then the quantum of petitions will abate. The Age Grade system has to be revived. It is very relevant as an engine for development. It will throw up sons and daughters of Achina and indeed our wives, who are great assets but who hid themselves and refused to stand up and be counted in the scheme of things. Age Grade is compulsory and everybody who has attained 30 years of age must belong to an age grade. Clearance from age grade as the need arises is now a must. The Ozo title will also undergo a reform. Since Ozo title is the basis for the taking of other higher titles, it must be in good stead to perform its function as a refining mechanism of characters. It has to meet the time we are in. The Umuada Achina has been recognized by Eze-Idegwu III as a veritable tool to work with. It is recognized by the constitution. It is expected that it will shade some of its old toga and assume a new look to meet the trend of time, privileges committees, cultural/traditional matters committee, finance committee, works/project committee and security committee. Some of these committees by the nature of their duties, reach out to the Achina Town Union for harmonious and effective administration of Achina Town. While the other committees are for the in-house co-ordination of the activities of the Igwe-in-Council. Igwe and Council cannot function effectively without their Lolos. Our beautiful Lolos are known as Osodiemeze. We salute them.
H.R.H, Igwe Godwin Nnaemeka Obiora has offered himself for the service of Achina. To this end, meetings of several stakeholders have been held to sensitize the people and galvanize them into vehicles for the development of Achina. Everybody has to come out from his cocoon and let all hands be on deck to move Achina Town forward. One major impediment to development is the impression that Igwe and the Council were selected to transform Achina with their personal resources. This is not the way to move Achina forward. Levies do not develop communities. Those placed in positions of advantage should key into the development process. The traditional institution is working in tandem with the Town Union Executive to harness people with ideas and resources from the decade of comatose which Achina community went into if we must take any meaningful impact among communities, if we must assume our premier position and if we hope to restore the honour and pride to our beloved Achina Town, the truth is that we are many decades behind other towns. We only relish our past glory. Achina Town is decaying rapidly. This is the truth we must accept. We expect meaningful criticisms that offer the way forward and not armchair criticisms that take us to nowhere.

The first meeting convened by H.R.H, inviting some people considered to be patriots to address some developmental issues in this community was honoured in the breach. This is enough to dampen the spirit of Leadership. The leadership 'co' and 'operates' all alone. The leadership and the people have co-operated to move Achina forward. This calls for the reception of new ideas. There must be changes. The old order must give way to modernity and dynamism. All sons and daughters of Achina, all the people of Achina are equal stakeholders in the scheme. Eze-Idegwu will continue to convene meetings of different shade of stakeholders to source for ideas and resources to develop Achina. Several disputes have been resolved within this period. One observation made in the course of resolving some family disputes is that Achina people are very good natured, kind hearted and ever loving. Above all, very forgiving. Disputes of several years have been resolved within months with parties bracing themselves in true love. All that Achina person wants from you is truth. It must however be placed on record that there exist in Achina today a clique working hard to stagnate Achina Town. In fullness of time, they will be exposed.

Credit : Ucheonye Nzubechi