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The Making of an Atamanya
The people of Ossomala in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, gets set to crown a veteran journalist, Victor Awogu, as its traditional ruler
For Victor Chukwuemeka
Awogu, a notable veteran of the
journalism profession, his constant interest and positive contributions to the development of his home town, Ossomala in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, appear to have paid off handsomely, especially against his nomination for the coveted stool of traditional ruler, despite having spent the most part of his life in the city.
Awogu, at a family convention of the Umuolo Royal House of Ugolo, Ossomala, held on December 24, 2006, at the ancient town of Ossomala, an important trading post in pre-colonial Nigeria, was nominated by of his kinsmen, as the sole candidate for the position. Upon coronation, he is to be known as Atamanya Awogu (Oniha Chukwuma) II, the Okakwu of Ossomala.
In a certificate of nomination jointly signed by Onyaa (Prince) Louis Awogu and Surveyor (Prince) John Chukwuma, Family Head and Secretary, respectively, the Umuolo Royal Family, whose turn it is to produce the next Atamanya, solicited “the support of Ugolo Village, the entire Ossomala people, the Ogbaru Local Government, the Anambra State Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in actualising the coronation of Chief (Prince) Victor Chukwuemeka Awogu.”
Instructively, the first family to throw its weight behind Awogu following his nomination was the Umuolo ruling house, followed by Umu Ada, while Umu Ulasi Atta is the clan from where the current regent to the throne, Professor Geofrey Olisa hails.
According to radition, Professor Olisa who is the first son of the immediate past Atamanya, is expected to be the one to hand over to the next Atamanya. Professor Olisa is an academic, pathologist and an author based in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Speaking on his nomination, the journalist-cum-administrator insists that his kingship is not man-made, but rather a divine will of God. According to him, though Ossomala people are proud people, based on their traditional heritage of learning and agriculture, he remains the humble person he is, while indicating that he would use the throne to deliver justice to his people.
Awogu has had a successful career in journalism, both as a writer and an editor which has spanned through several decades. He was at a time the Executive Director (Administration) of Daily Times newspapers, as well as Chairman of the Editorial Board of many national newspapers and newsmagazines, in addition to been an executive member of the Guild of Editors (NGE) over the last 15 years.
An International Relations and Strategic Studies graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Awogu has been – and still remains – a major contributor to many developmental projects in his home town. He is married and has children.
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