Legacy of service: Why Umuihi honoured son with historic High-Chief title – Eze Uwalaka

By  Ezurike Ugochukwu

In a heartwarming blend of tradition, divine purpose and gratitude, His Royal Highness Eze Jude Uwalaka, Ihi III of Umuihi Ancient kingdom, conferred a prestigious High-Chief title on Dr. Eze Onyegbule Okubuiro, a distinguished son of Umuihi, in a historic ceremony that highlighted the community’s appreciation for his achievements.

Dr. Okubuiro’s selfless contributions to the welfare of his people: spanning educational sponsorships, community development, and unwavering loyalty—reverberated strongly enough to earn him the rare honour in absentia. What unfolded was not just a title bestowal, but a symbolic celebration of merit, unity, and the enduring values that define the ancient Umuihi Kingdom.

Eze Jude Uwalaka, Ihi III of Umuihi, Chairman of Imo Traditional Institution and Community Policing in Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area, and an Ambassador of Peace, has explained the rationale behind the conferment of a High-Chief title on one of the community’s distinguished sons, Dr. Okubuiro, who resides overseas.

High-chief Dr. Eze Onyegbule Okubuiro

Speaking on the honour, Eze Uwalaka said the title of “Osinanwataburueze 1 of Umuihi Ancient kingdom” was bestowed on him in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the community, despite living abroad.

“Dr Eze is our true and illustrations son” the royal father said, “the support from his Umuowushi kindred, the community development union and endorsement from other prominent sons and daughters of Umuihi made me approve their request.”

According to him, the event turned out to be a blessing to the entire community, as it attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria.

“Many doubted the possibility of such a conferment since the recipient lives abroad, but we proved it can be done. Awards, including national honours, are often given in absentia—what matters is the merit and consent of the individual.

“This was our way of acknowledging his selfless services to the people,” he added.

L-R: Eze Willy Mbagwu, Abu II of Abueke; Eze Uwalaka and Ugoeze Uwalaka at the conferement ceremony held at the Eze’s Palace

On the criteria for selection, Eze Uwalaka noted that Dr. Okubuiro has been actively supporting his community by sponsoring education from primary to university level, offering financial assistance, and engaging in other philanthropic activities.

“This title is not just any title—it is reserved for true sons of Umuihi. While others may receive a High-Chief title, the particular one conferred on Dr. Okubuiro cannot be given to an outsider or anyone without Umuihi blood. He is now one of the three High-Chiefs in our community, representing the Umuowushi kindred. As long as he lives, no other Umuowushi man can receive that same title,” the monarch clarified.

He further disclosed that Dr. Okubuiro had previously been honoured with a Chieftency title in December 2024. When the High-Chief position for Umuowushi became vacant, the community unanimously recommended him for the high-chief title this year 2025.

“The difference between Chief and High-Chief is like the difference between His Royal Highness, His Royal Majesty, and Imperial Majesty—each denotes a level of honour and responsibility. High-Chief is superior to Chief,” Eze Uwalaka explained.

High-chief & Lolo Okubuiro

He also stated that almost all the traditional rulers (Ezes) in Ihitte/Uboma participated in the conferment and personally spoke with Dr. Okubuiro on the phone, offering prayers and blessings to him, wife(Lolo) and entire family.

Eze Uwalaka emphasized that character matters in such decisions. “No indigene of questionable character would be considered for such an honour. While someone may be given a Chief title for one reason or the other, the High-Chief honour is reserved for individuals of proven integrity and distinguished service in my kingdom.”

He noted that with this new status, Dr. Okubuiro now ranks alongside the Traditional Prime Minister in terms of honour and access to key community matters, although the Prime Minister remains the deputy to the Eze, while the High-Chief holds a more senior position among other titled persons.

Speaking in the same vain, His Royal Highness Eze Innocent Onuoha, Ikpe 1 of Ikpenweafor Autonomous Community in Uboma clan of Ihitte/Uboma said indeed, many good deeds of Dr. Eze has reverberated across Ihitte and Uboma.

HRH I. Onuoha

Eze Onuoha, the immediate past chairman of Ihitte/Uboma Council of traditional rulers implored the youths to see Dr. Eze as thier role model.

“Dr. Okubuiro has brought honour to us, we look up to him extending this philanthropic gesture to other communities in Ihitte/Uboma.

“God has blessed him and he has decided to extend it to others, I encourage him to take it beyond Umuihi, by so doing God will continue to enlarge his coast, we are proud of him.

“We gathered here to cement and formalize his conferement because he has proven himself a true some of Ihitte/Uboma,” Onuoha maintained.

HRH Eze Marcel Iheme, the Egwunte III of Umuezegwu, commended Dr Okubuiro for his philanthropic gestures to mankind and prayed to God to sustain him, and watch over him from evil plans of enemies.

The President-General of Umuihi community, Chief Ambrose Nnamdi Onyemara, said the many developmental projects and financial assistance Dr. Eze Okubuiro has so far given to support his people made the community see it deserving to confer High-chief title of Osinanwataburueze 1 of Umuihi Ancient kingdom on him.

Chief Onyemara

He said, “This is a title given only to bona fide sons of Umuihi because by virtue of this, he is one of the Kingmakers. He now sits beside the Eze in our community. His title is recognised in the whole of Ihitte/Uboma that is why all the Ezes of the LGA are here to confer this title on him being anchored by our Eze Uwalaka who happens to be their chairman.

“Osinawataburueze has done well, we will not stop at this conferement, we will immortalize him. By so doing, we will be encouraging our sons and daughters to follow his worthwhile footsteps.”

Chairman of Ndi Nze and Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet of the Umuihi Ancient Kingdom, Nze Anointing Ihediohanma, stated that the conferment of the High-Chief title is reserved for individuals who have made significant, positive impacts on their communities.

Nze Ihediohamma

Speaking on the honour bestowed on Dr. Eze Okubuiro, Nze Ihediohanma highlighted several of his philanthropic achievements, noting that the honouree had, even in absentia, installed solar streetlights across communities, awarded scholarships to students, and funded medical treatments for indigent persons at the general hospital, irrespective of the nature of their ailments.

“In the area of security,” he continued, “Dr. Okubuiro has also been instrumental in supporting community efforts to ensure safety and peace. He has empowered small businesses and brought hope to many.”

He emphasized that the High-Chief title is not awarded lightly. “When someone consistently contributes to the well-being of the community, the people take notice. The title is a reflection of the community’s gratitude for the good deeds one has done not just in Umuihi, but in surrounding communities as well.”

Pointing to the crowd gathered in celebration, he remarked, “You can see the boys and girls here today praying for him. Many are from other communities, not just Umuihi. That shows the reach of his generosity.”

Nze Ihediohanma, who received the title on behalf of Dr. Okubuiro, explained that the conferment was not a unilateral decision by a single traditional ruler, but rather a collective endorsement by all the Ezes in Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area. “Even those who couldn’t attend in person sent representatives,” he said.

He further explained that Ihitte/Uboma consists of ten electoral wards, went further to clarify that Dr. Okubuiro neither lobbied for the title nor requested it. “High-Chief is not a title given carelessly. It is earned through visible, verifiable deeds. As the Bible says, ‘Let your good works shine before men so they may glorify your Father in heaven.’”

As the custodian of the title on Dr. Okubuiro’s behalf, Nze Ihediohanma stated that he will ensure the recipient receives the official documentation and photograph of the event, according to his preference.

He also revealed that Dr. Okubuiro had earlier received a Chieftaincy title in December 2024, and the quick progression to High-Chief status four months after was due to the overwhelming recognition of his continued service to the people. “When a community feels indebted to someone, this is how they express their appreciation, more is still coming his way,” he added.

The title, he emphasized, is for life and cannot be duplicated within the same village. “Umuowushi, being the largest of the three villages—Umuokoro, Umuelem, and Umuowushi—has now conferred this once-in-a-lifetime honour. No other individual from Umuowushi 5will hold this High-Chief title as long as Dr. Okubuiro lives. It is not hereditary, and only one person can bear it.”

He urged the youths of Umuihi and Ihitte/Uboma to emulate High-Chief Eze Okubuiro, describing him as a shining example of the Igbo philosophy of Akuruo Ulo—”taking wealth home where it’s much needed.”

A 17-year-old student and JAMB candidate awaiting admission, Onyemee Angel Chidera from Umuowushi, said she and her peers came to celebrate their guardian, Dr. Eze Okubuiro, who has taken it upon himself to support their education.

“He has come to our rescue, meeting both our educational and personal needs. He paid for our examination fees and is committed to sponsoring our tertiary education,” she said.

Chidera noted that she and 11 other beneficiaries—both boys and girls—along with other youths within and outside their community, believe Dr. Okubuiro deserves even more than the High-Chief title being conferred on him. “He is a man of his word. This honour will certainly encourage him to do even more,” she added.

“We, the younger generation, are deeply grateful for this recognition given to him by our community and the Ihitte/Uboma Council of Ndieze. It gives us hope and pride.”

Describing him as a role model, Chidera said, “We want to be like him. We’re encouraging other young people to look up to individuals like Dr. Okubuiro and follow in their footsteps.”

Some Students rendering song in appreciation of High-chief Eze’s support at the conferement ceremony

She also appealed to other well-placed sons and daughters of the community to join hands with Dr. Okubuiro in supporting the youth for a better future.

“Our prayers are that God continues to bless him with wisdom, understanding, and fulfillment. May he enjoy a happy family life, and may celebration never cease in his home.”

Chief Apiaka

Chief Apiaka Innocent Chimaobi, chairman Umuowushi, Progressive Union Umuihi, the kindred of Dr Eze Okubuiro said Osinanwataburueze 1, will be conferred on him based on his contributions to the development of entire Umuihi.

He said, “We are proud of him, it was clear from the start that he was destined for greatness. The fifth son and seventh child of Late Ezinna Geoffrey Okubuiro Iwueke and Late Ezinne Evangeline Ezinwanyi Iwueke Okubuiro.

Akaraugo Age Grade

“Osinawataburueze has given all round development to Umuihi community. we remain eternally grateful for his generosity.

“He has given scholarships, provided streetlights, supported security network and done much in the area of human capacity as well as food support programme to the community during COVID 19 particularly and many times before. Despite all these, we ask for more like Oliver Twist and pray to God for His enablement on him to done more for us.”

John Azubuike, chairman of Akaraugo Age Grade Umuihi, Ihitte/Uboma LGA, said Dr. Okubuiro was born at the same time as them in the community, as the seventh child of the family, we played together, went to the stream together, started primary school together. He was resolute, astute and persevering. We are not surprise that Eze our age mate is receiving this title today, we are proud that he is one of us. He has lifted our heads high, to prove that indeed we are Akaraugo(mark of honour, royalty and blessing to mankind).

To Hon. Mrs Callister Nnorom, woman leader of Umuihi autonomous community who has been married for 38 years, Dr Okubuiro indeed embodied the meaning of his name “Eze”, meaning “king, wisdom and helper of the downtrodden”. She thanked God profusely for bringing her into Umuihi through marriage.

Hon. Nnorom

“We have no doubt he will do more. His kindheartedness is second to none. There are others richer than him, but none have done as much for this community as he has.

“By virtue of this title, he is first among equals.”

To Engr Emeka Ononiwu, the Coordinator of Old Boys of Uboma Secondary School Ikperejere ‘Set of 1990’ and Chief Sir Eze Okalowe, they shared in the joyful moment of Dr Eze Okubuiro’s well-deserved recognition, saying they never expected less from what Osinanwataburueze is doing today.

According to them, his footprints were bold for everyone to see, right from their secondary school days.They prayed to God to sustain and give him grace to do more exploits.