For years, the ancient kingdom of Igbuzo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State grappled with cult-related violence, youth restiveness, and other security challenges that threatened the peace and development of the community. However, Chief Sir Ambassador Azikiwe Jacob Nwabuwa, Chairman of the Indomitable Union of Igbuzo, says the tide has changed through a coordinated community-driven campaign against crime and social vices.

In an exclusive interview with Newsbreeze Magazine, Chief Nwabuwa said the Indomitable Union was established by concerned youths with a clear mission to restore peace, tackle cultism, and revive Igbuzo’s reputation as one of Delta State’s most peaceful and hospitable communities.

According to him, the union has worked closely with traditional institutions, security agencies, and other community stakeholders to combat cultism, violent crime, and drug abuse while promoting responsible citizenship among young people.

‘Our Mission Is to Restore Peace’

Explaining the vision behind the formation of the union, Chief Nwabuwa said the organisation was born out of concern over the decline in security and social values within the community.

He recalled that Igbuzo was once renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, unity, hospitality, and cultural heritage, earning the nickname “Small London” because of its welcoming nature and progressive outlook.

“We decided enough was enough. Our mission is to restore peace and security so everyone can live comfortably in Igbuzo once again,” he said.

He noted that one of the union’s first objectives was to wage a sustained campaign against cultism, insisting that criminal activities would no longer be tolerated in the community.

“We have reduced cultism to the barest minimum. Anyone found engaging in criminal activities is handed over to the appropriate security agencies to face the law. We do not take the law into our own hands,” he stated.

Partnership with Security Agencies

Chief Nwabuwa disclosed that the union has over 100 volunteers who offer selfless service in support of peace and security across Igbuzo.

He also revealed that members of the union have personally invested nearly ₦30 million into security-related activities, stressing that the organisation is not sponsored by any politician or government agency.

According to him, the union enjoys the support of the traditional institution, the Igbuzo Police Division, community leaders, and the Oshimili North Local Government Council.

“We are grateful to His Royal Majesty, the Divisional Police Officer, and every stakeholder working with us to ensure lasting peace in Igbuzo,” he said.

Reaction to Recent Killing

Reacting to the recent reported killing in Igbuzo, Chief Nwabuwa condemned the incident and maintained that those responsible should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“The matter is already before the police. We condemn every form of violence and unlawful killing. Anyone who commits such an offence should face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Union Not Created for Politics

Responding to claims that the Indomitable Union was formed to advance his political ambition, Chief Nwabuwa dismissed the allegation, insisting that the organisation remains non-partisan.

He explained that although he has declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives in the 2026 elections, the union was established solely to combat crime and promote peace.

“Our members belong to different political parties, including APC, PDP and others. The union itself is not political. Our focus is peace, security and community development,” he said.

Political Aspiration

Speaking on his political ambition, Chief Nwabuwa said his desire to seek elective office is driven by a passion for public service and community development.

He acknowledged Chief Barr. Fred Ajudua as his political mentor and expressed appreciation for his guidance over the years.

“If given the opportunity to serve in the House of Representatives, I will represent my people with honesty, dedication and integrity,” he said.

Message to the Youth

Advising young
people, Chief Nwabuwa urged them not to be swayed by temporary inducements during elections but to support credible leaders capable of delivering sustainable development.

“The future belongs to the youth.They must make informed decisions and support leaders with character, competence and the commitment to improve society,” he said.
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The Chairman of Junic Group of Companies and founder of the Junic Foundation, Elder Acho Nonyalim, has reaffirmed his commitment to poverty eradication and youth empowerment by presenting vocational equipment to two young women from Isieke community in Igbuzo, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The beneficiaries, Miss Awele Nonyalim and Miss Awele Ojei, received complete sets of sewing machines, a power generator, fabrics, fashion design materials, and comprehensive hairdressing equipment to enable them establish and grow sustainable businesses.

The empowerment programme, facilitated through the Isieke Youths Association, forms part of Elder Nonyalim’s ongoing efforts to promote entrepreneurship, reduce unemployment, and encourage self-reliance among youths and women in the community.

Widely regarded as a philanthropist with a passion for community development, Elder Nonyalim established the Junic Foundation to equip young people with practical vocational skills and provide the resources needed to become financially independent and productive members of society.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Bishop Peter Anene Abiagom commended Elder Nonyalim for his unwavering generosity and dedication to improving the lives of the less privileged. 

He prayed for God’s continued protection, good health, and abundant blessings upon the benefactor, stressing that “a giver never lacks.”

Bishop Abiagom, who formally presented the equipment to the beneficiaries on behalf of Elder Nonyalim, urged them to maximise the opportunity by remaining committed to their chosen vocations and building successful careers.

Also speaking, Prince Charles Inugonum, representing his father, the Most Senior Diokpa of Umuekea, Diokpa Augustine Inugonum, encouraged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the equipment and strive towards financial independence.

In his remarks, Elder Nonyalim reiterated his resolve to continue empowering more youths across Isieke and the wider Igbuzo community. 

He called on well-meaning sons and daughters of Igbuzo to partner in the fight against poverty by investing in education, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship.

According to him, empowering young people remains one of the most effective ways to secure a prosperous future for the community.

“I will continue to touch the lives of our youths, widows, and the elderly. Together, we can reduce poverty and create opportunities that will improve the standard of living of our people,” he said.

Community members who attended the event applauded Elder Nonyalim’s sustained philanthropic efforts, describing the empowerment initiative as a practical demonstration of visionary leadership, compassion, and an enduring commitment to community development.

The initiative is expected to provide the beneficiaries with the tools and confidence needed to build sustainable businesses, improve their livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Igbuzo.

Ugbolu Kingdom, one of the oldest communities in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, has continued to assert its distinct historical identity amid ongoing debates over its origin and traditional status. The community, which traces its ancestry to the ancient Benin Kingdom, has in recent years intensified calls for greater recognition of its traditional institution and historical heritage.
At the centre of the discourse is Ugbolu’s longstanding quest for autonomy and the preservation of what its leaders describe as verifiable historical records dating back several centuries. Community leaders maintain that Ugbolu has existed as an independent settlement since the 16th century and possesses cultural artifacts, oral traditions, and documented records that support its Benin ancestry.

The agitation for autonomy has generated public discussions, particularly following publications and claims linking the community’s origin to Anam in present-day Anambra State.

While some neighbouring communities hold differing historical perspectives, Ugbolu traditional authorities insist that available evidence, including colonial-era court records and ancestral artifacts authenticated by the Benin Royal Palace, supports their position.

In this exclusive interview with community newspaper publishers, the traditional ruler of Ugbolu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obi Anthony Iweanyi Nwaokolo, JP, speaks on the community’s history, the controversy surrounding its origin, its quest for recognition, and his assessment of the development efforts of the Delta State Government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Excerpts:

Q: Your Royal Majesty, can you briefly introduce yourself?

A: I am His Royal Majesty (HRM) Obi Anthony Iweanyi Nwaokolo, JP, the traditional ruler of Ugbolu Kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Q: Your Majesty, what is your reaction to the recent publication in The Pointer newspaper concerning the origin and history of Ugbolu?

A: History is based on facts, and facts cannot be hidden. Ugbolu traces its origin to the ancient Benin Kingdom. Our progenitor, Olu, was a royal prince from Benin who migrated and settled in what is today known as Ugbolu.

The historical artifacts he brought with him are still preserved in our kingdom to this day.

I strongly disagree with the claim that Ugbolu people originated from Anam. Historical records clearly contradict that assertion.

For example, in 1910, the Odogwu of Ugbolu instituted legal action against some Anam people who were farming in Umuchue, Ugbolu.

The court ruled in favour of Ugbolu and ordered the Anam settlers to pay an annual tribute of 800 tubers of yam to Ugbolu.

That arrangement has continued to this day.
If, as claimed, Ugbolu and Anam are one people, how could a court have ordered Anam people to pay annual tribute to Ugbolu? Such a situation clearly demonstrates that the relationship was not one of common origin but one involving land ownership and customary obligations.

Q: What evidence supports your claim that Ugbolu originated from the Benin Kingdom?

A: The evidence is overwhelming. Some years ago, we took our ancient artifacts, namely the Aga and Ebe, to Benin for verification.

At the time, the late Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom personally examined them.
I was privileged to present Ugbolu’s historical account before the Oba and his palace chiefs. After examining the artifacts, they expressed surprise at how well they had been preserved over the centuries.

We explained that these artifacts are highly revered in our tradition. Whenever they are moved from one location to another, traditional rites, including the slaughtering of goats, are performed as a mark of respect and preservation.

The palace authorities confirmed that such artifacts are unique to the Benin royal heritage and could hardly be found elsewhere outside the Benin Palace.

Their conclusion was clear: the artifacts originated from the Benin Kingdom.

That confirmation further strengthens our historical position that Ugbolu is of Benin origin.

Q: There are also claims regarding the historical relationship between Ugbolu and neighbouring communities. What is your position?

A: Historical facts show that some communities migrated from Ugbolu to their present locations over time.

Oral traditions indicate that such movements occurred during periods of epidemics and other challenges that prompted people to seek safer settlements.

It is important that history is presented accurately and objectively. We should not distort established facts for personal or political reasons.

Q: Some people argue that Ugbolu traditionally paid homage to neighbouring communities such as Okpanam. Is there any truth in that?

A: No. There was never a period when Ugbolu paid homage or royalty to any neighbouring community, including Okpanam.
What existed was a traditional relationship of mutual cooperation. For example, when a community needed an Eze title holder (Red Cap Chief) to perform traditional rites during a coronation, Eze title holders from related communities would sometimes participate in the ceremony.

My father, for instance, participated in the coronation of a traditional Eze title holder in Okpanam in 1975. Likewise, when I took my Eze title, an Eze title holder from Okpanam attended and participated in the ceremony.
Such exchanges were customary and ceremonial; they did not signify political subordination or allegiance.

Q: What message would you like to send to government and the general public regarding this issue?

A: My advice is that government should rely on documented history, verifiable records, and traditional evidence when addressing matters relating to Ugbolu.
Ugbolu has existed as a distinct community for over five centuries. Historical records place our settlement in this area as far back as the 16th century.

By every standard, we are an indigenous community with a rich cultural heritage and established traditional institutions.
We therefore urge government to continue recognising our historical identity and to give due consideration to our aspirations and traditional status.

Q: How would you assess the performance of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori?

A: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has performed commendably since assuming office. His administration has demonstrated commitment to infrastructure development and the welfare of the people.

One project that stands out is the road linking our area with neighbouring communities, which has greatly improved accessibility and economic activities. The road serves as an important alternative route for commuters and has enhanced connectivity within the state.
The Governor is known for personally inspecting projects to ensure quality execution. This hands-on approach distinguishes him as a leader who is committed to delivering results.

Q: What additional developments would you like the government to bring to Ugbolu?

A: We appreciate the developments already taking place, but there is still room for more.
We would like to see:
More educational facilities and improved schools.
The upgrading of our health centre into a cottage hospital with resident doctors and adequate medical personnel.
Additional infrastructure to accommodate the growing population of the community.
Today, many people are choosing to live in Ugbolu because of its peaceful environment and strategic location. Our modern market has also attracted traders and investors from neighbouring towns.
We therefore appeal for continued government attention to sustain this growth and development.

Q: Any final words?

A: I sincerely thank Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his efforts in developing Delta State. We pray that God grants him wisdom, strength, and good health to continue serving the people effectively.
Our prayer is for peace, progress, and sustained development in Ugbolu, Delta State, and Nigeria as a whole. May God continue to guide our leaders and bless our communities.
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