By Patrick Ochei
The revered monarch of Ugboba Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Agbogidi Obi Ezedimbu Emmanuel Nkebakwu III, has marked his 10th New Yam Festival (Iwaji Obi Ugboba) in grand style.
The New Yam Festival, which took place at his palace in Ugboba on Saturday, September 12, 2026, was a beehive of activities, with political leaders and other dignitaries making concerted efforts to identify with the traditional ruler.
Obi Ezedimbu, in an unusual gesture, prayed for his subjects to continue to make incremental progress in all spheres of life, affirming that the development of any community is tied to its human resources.
He expressed gratitude to God for the bounty of new crops harvested by the agrarian community and prayed for greater blessings for the people in the coming year.
The monarch, who enjoys the goodwill of his people, also alluded to the progress recorded in the community as a result of the peace and unity that have become the hallmark of harmonious coexistence among the people.
As Chairman of the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers Committee, Obi Ezedimbu commended the state and local governments for their synergy with the traditional institution, which, he said, had continued to facilitate progress and development at the grassroots.
He assured that he would continue to strengthen the relationship between the traditional institution and government in order to sustain harmony and cordiality between the people and the authorities.
The event was also marked by the presence of political leaders from Delta State and beyond. The former Governor of Delta State and APC senatorial candidate, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, sent a campaign team led by Rt. Hon. Pascal Adigwe to represent him and make a presentation to the monarch on his behalf.
Similarly, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and APC candidate for Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency, as well as the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Council, Hon. Bazim Emma Chinye, sent representatives to identify with the monarch and made presentations on their behalf.
As part of the celebration of his 10th New Yam Festival, a renowned colleague and traditional ruler, the Obi of Umunede, HRM Agadagidi Collins Ezenwali, was in Ugboba to felicitate with his friend and colleague on the occasion.
Flanked by his cabinet chiefs and elders of the kingdom, Obi Ezedimbu hosted a cream of personalities from various walks of life, underscoring his popularity and influence beyond his immediate domain.
In his capacity as President-General of the Ugboba Development Union (UDU), former Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Council, Hon. Chuks Oseme, appreciated everyone who graced the monarch’s New Yam Festival.
He described Ugboba as a lucky community in an era of growth and development, affirming that Obi Ezedimbu Emmanuel Nkebakwu III ascended the throne with a sincere purpose to transform the fortunes of the people by turning what was once a fallow hinterland into an economically productive town.
The festivities created an atmosphere of joy and merriment in Ugboba, as the monarch and his subjects danced graciously to the tunes of the Ikpelime drum while savouring an assortment of traditional New Yam delicacies and drinks.
About the Author
