Felix Mbata
As Ezeudo I of Ndigbo Agbado-Oke Ode LCDA, Alimosho Local Government Area, Eze Amb. Emmanuel Oparachukwu has distinguished himself as a transformational leader, dedicated to the welfare and advancement of his people. His decade-long tenure, marked by a series of milestone events, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to serving his community.
In an exclusive interview, Eze Amb. Emmanuel Oparachukwu reflected on his journey, highlighting his notable achievements and outlining his vision for the future.
Congratulations on your 10th year anniversary as Eze Ndigbo of Agbado-Oke Ode LCDA. Can you introduce yourself to our esteemed readers?
My names are His Royal Majesty Eze Amb. Emmanuel Oparachukwu. Here in Lagos State, I am Ezeudo I of Ndigbo Agbado-Oke Ode LCDA, Alimosho Local Government Area. Also, in my hometown, I am Eze Igbo of Oha of Umueze Akabor Ahiara Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Imo State. I am a businessman.
Can you tell us when you were installed as Eze Ndigbo of Agbado-Oke Ode LCDA, and what motivated you to accept the title and responsibility?
I was installed as Eze Ndigbo in November 2014. As a businessman, I didn’t initially want to take on this Ezeship leadership. However, being the founder and first chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Agbado-Oke Ode LCDA, after my two-year interim, I went for election. After the election, I became the chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Agbado-Oke Ode LCDA, and served for four years. After four years, my people in Agbado-Oke said that I did very well. I was the best chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State. So, my people told me that I should come and become their Eze, as there was no Eze Agbado-Oke Ode LCDA, Alimosho Local Government Area, and I accepted to serve my people.
What are some of your notable achievements since assuming the position of Eze Ndigbo?
Since that time, I have ensured that I don’t hear the cry of any Igbo man without taking action. Whenever they have a problem and tell me, I swing into action to save them and help them in every area of their lives. I have also donated essential items to churches and supported the less privileged. These gestures are a reflection of my commitment to the well-being of our people.
Now, Ezeship has to do with Ohanaeze and the Community. How do you rate the performance of the present Ohanaeze Ndi president in Lagos, High Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene?
High Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene is the president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos state, and he has brought Ohanaeze Lagos State to the limelight.
Now, there are some personalities that you gave awards to as you celebrated your one decade, among them is a Commissioner of Police serving in Abuja, CP Monday Agbonika. Why did you include him among others?
I knew him when he was a Divisional Police Officer here in Agbado-Oke Ode LCDA, Alimosho Local Government Area, and his performance was excellent. His relationship with Igbo people and other tribes made me call him an Extra-Ordinary Divisional Police Officer. He is a clear proof that police can be friendly. I consider him an Extra-Ordinary Police Officer, and God has been lifting him. I pray that he will never die in active service but will serve, retire, and go back to his people.
Also, two prominent Yoruba men were honored as well, namely, Hon. Moshood Adegoke Salvador and Bashorun Olufenmilola Omotayo Anjorin. Why did you give them titles?
First, Bashorun Olufenmilola is a man of the people and, in fact, since I know him, he has a generous mind, a detribalized person. He is all over, in fact, I commend him to whoever and whatever position he aspires to in the future; he will do well. I gave his title as ‘A good friend of the Ndigbo’.
What about Moshood Adegoke ,Salvador, what inspired giving him a title?
Moshood Adegoke Salvador is a man of people as well, since I know him, he has been doing well. He loves people, he is a man with great difference and a man of integrity. In fact, if he can be opportune to rule Nigeria in the future, or Lagos State, he will be one of the best Presidents or Governors in Nigeria. The title to Moshood is ‘Our brother from another Mother’ .
What is your relationship with the Oba of Meiran Land, His Royal Majesty Alayeluwa Oba (Dr) Samuel Awoyemi Ismaila Adisa Oroja?
My relationship with the Oba of Meiran Land is excellent. He is a man that loves every tribe, and he is a peaceful man who accommodates the Igbos very well and others. Whatever we do, he is always with us, and whatever he does, we are always with him too. I don’t have any problem with him.
Who are your supporters, and how have they contributed to your success?
I appreciate God for his love and guidance. I also appreciate Ndigbo in Agbado Oke-Ode LCDA and environs. I am mentioning a few among others, I got support from Chief Livinus Okwara, the founder and chairman of Rimax Computers and Clinic, Dr. F. Ferguson (Aguaro), president Ndi-Igbo United Association, Dr. Benjamin Eze, Medical Director, New Evolution Hospital, High Chief Anselm Njoku (Ekeweje of Alausa, Ikeja, Anatuantu of Igbo land, Tony – Tech, Aluminium System Nig. Limited, K & C Events and Suits, Ndi in Agbado Oke-Ode LCDA, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos President, High Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, High Chief Emeka Akubueze, my in-laws, and family, and host of others.
What challenges have you faced during your tenure, and how have you overcome them?
My challenges as a King who rules both the good and bad in a community is finance to empower youths, let everybody have a meaningful job, if the state government can provide funds to me, it will go a long way to empower people.
What are your next plans for the second decade you’re stepping into for Ndigbo in Agbado Oke-Ode LCDA?
My next plan for which I am going to tell all the people that are supporting me, is that I want to build a befitting hall for Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Agbado Oke-Ode LCDA. So that any Igbo man, that wants to do a program, will use it for free, this will help Ndigbo to save money and unite us more.
What are your wishes to your supporters and people that made the 10th year anniversary a huge success?
My word of appreciation to them is God will also support them, anybody that works for God, has no problem and God will pay them back with good things, I wish them good things, I wish them success on their endeavors. I pray that God should refill their pockets, so that they can be able to do more. I say thank you very much to all of them.