By Chinwendu Agoha (Society & Governance Reporter)
The people of Oguta town under the auspices of Oguta Community Development Union (OCDU), Abuja branch, mourn the passing of the oldest woman in their community, Ezinne Adline Ikpoaku Nzeribe-Uneanya, popularly referred to as the 'Ogene Nwanyi' of Oguta.
She died at the age of One Hundred and Thirteen (113). The deceased Ogene of Oguta-Ameshi as the Oguta town is fondly called, was the last 'Ogene Nwanyi' of Oguta. She became the Ogene Nwanyi' (oldest woman) in the town at the age of One Hundred and Seven (107).
The Oguta Community Development Union (ODCU), Abuja, last Tuesday, paid a condolence visit to her family led by it's Chairman, Mr Ikemefuna Ohanyere. The ODCU condolence delegation was received on behalf of the Ogene's family by one of the sons of the Ogene , Dr Max Uneanya, a pioneer Head of Galaxy Backbone, a tech support company established by the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
The OCDU Abuja Chairman, Mr Ohanyere, in the condolence message delivered by him, described the late Ogene Nwanyi as a "very successful leader, a philanthropist and teacher to all. Ogene had an open door policy. She encouraged the women to stand in gap in prayer for the peace and growth of the town. She was really a renowned spiritual leader in Oguta-Ameshi".
Stories have it that the Ogene Nwanyi had the power of clairvoyance. She would look at a person in the face and tell the workings of his or her inner mind or and his evil intention, and advise such person to turn to God. She was equally reputed to exercise spiritual authority and decrees. She often mediated on community disputes. She could dream and visualize realities as if she's a seer. She'd pray, cancel evil and glorify goodness.
The Ogene' Nwanyi was married to Felix Nwapa Uneanya (Ekwebenam) for many years before he passed on. He was the son of a foremost Anglican Christian, Mr John Enebuachi Uneanya who hails from a royal family in Ogwuma village, Oguta.
Most Ogene Oguta usually have the gift of clairvoyance. They are seers, kind of, which, according to beliefs, is associated with age and so, was 'Ogene Chukwu du bem'
In Oguta Ameshi tradition, Ogene' signifies the eldest among the natives. There are two designations of Ogene; 'Ogene Nwoke' and 'Ogene Nwanyi'. Before one is officially crowned as the eldest, the community would dispatch representives to make traditional and spiritual enquiry to ascertain whether indeed the prospective Ogene' ( man or woman) is the eldest in the community.
This is because if an individual was erroneously chosen, such person would die within twenty-seven (27) days. 'Ogene holds a significant spiritual authority in Oguta town. Both Ogene Nwoke' and Ogene Nwanyi are members of the ruling council of Oguta town.
The Ogene, Ezinne Adline Ikpoaku Nzeribe-Uneanya, referred to as the 'Ogene Nwanyi' of Oguta is associated with royalty by birth and by marriage. She is from the Nzeribe royal family in Umudei village and married to Pa Uneanya of the Royal house in Ogwuma village.
NIGERIAN NEWSLEADER Newspaper's interactions with the Ogene' Nwanyi's children, points to one fact that she was a mother to all, a virtuous woman and a serious minded person. Her son, Max Uneanya (Ph.D), told NEWSLEADER that whenever his mother prayed for people who came to 'tap her blessings, they often testify that her prayers were deeply insightful, revealing their burdens and offering glimpses of their future.
According to Max Uneanya, "she would counsel on the need for patience and preseverance in their virtuous deeds. For those who try to go astray, she would sternly warn them of the consequences of their actions and urge them to repent".
He further explained that some people, after being told the truth, sometimes tried to test her powers by attempting to harm her with evil intentions because of their beliefs that she was indeed a special being. "I witnessed such spiritual confrontation where she would ultimately overcome the malevolent forces, commanding them to bow before the Almighty God", Max said.
She, according to her son, had no tolerance for evil, refusing to entertain those with evil intentions. When this battle is over. She would rest peacefully, preferring not to be disturbed until next day.
The OCDU, Abuja branch members who were on hand to condole with the family of late Ogene' Nwanyi include: Mr Ikemefuna Ohanyere (OCDU Chairman, Abuja branch); his wife, Lilian Ohanyere, PhD; Engr. Ephraim Ochije (Vice Chairman, OCDU Abuja branch); Mrs Juliet Nwabiani Okafor, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of SeaRoute Communications Limited, publishers of Nigerian NewsLeader Newspaper; Mr Ikechukwu Okoronkwo (OCDU Secretary, Abuja branch); Mr Prosper Ijoma, an Assistant Director with the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Mr Ifezuruoha Sunday, an author of interesting book on Oguta Culture and tradition.
The OCDU in their condolence presentation during the visit, said the entire Oguta community wish Ezinne Adeline Ikpoaku Nzeribe-Uneanya (the Nwaze Adi Ononi; the Ogene Orisha Dum Neje; Omordi Umudei and the Odoziaku) a memorable good bye!.
"The entire community is praying for her children: Oliver, Sydney, Ivan, Jane, Ify, Izuka and Max Uneanya (Ph.D)", the OCDU said. NNL.
