*Wife, Sister too,..
By Asakpa Ibobo
The President of the Uwheru Community Union in the United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Barr. Sunny Etune Idigbe, and his wife, Chief Mrs. Idigbe, have been conferred with Uwheru chieftaincy titles by His Royal Majesty Ajuwe Simpson Sapele Obruche (ACG), Obruche 11, the Odion r’Ode of Uwheru Kingdom.
In a similar vein, Comfort Idigbe Fatinikun, sister of Chief Sunny Idigbe, was also honored with a chieftaincy title by HRM Obruche 11.
The ceremonies took place on Monday, July 15, at the Palace Ground.
The conferment event was witnessed by Her Royal Majesty, Queen Victoria Obruche, High Chief Ogarivi Utso, JP; Chief (Dr.) Phillip Okpidiama, JP; Olorogun (Prince) Egrebayire Obruche, Chief Ambassador Onoriode Giane Gwede, Chief John Obrutse, Chief Alexander Ishebe, Chief Erutase Ignerejo, Chief Stephen Obruche, and Chief Pioneer Ogagamuru. Also present were veteran journalist Kenneth Young-Emretiyoma, Chief James Owhe, Chief Famous Uyovbikerhi, Mr. Akpobome Ariemu, and Mr. Godfrey Avede.
Speaking before conferring Chief (Barr.) Sunny Idigbe with the title of Avweroto’Uwheru of Uwheru Kingdom, HRM Obruche 11 praised him as a true, patriotic, passionate, and worthy ambassador of the Uwheru people in the UK. “Sunny is a sociable and influential personality. He has a passion for the Uwheru Kingdom. He cares about the welfare of Uwheru people both in the United Kingdom and back home in Uwheru,” the monarch said.
The Uwheru King highlighted Chief Sunny Idigbe’s contributions, including championing the donation of a toilet facility by the Uwheru Community in the UK to Udu Primary School, Uwheru, about three years ago. He also commended Idigbe’s various charitable deeds and his significant role during the presentation of the Staff of Office to HRM Obruche 11 by the state government last year. “We are proud of him,” the Odion r’Ode declared.
HRM Obruche 11 also spoke highly of Comfort Idigbe Fatinikun, noting her support for her brother’s leadership of the Uwheru people in the UK and her contributions to the Uwheru community. The King particularly lauded her for exemplifying African values in caring for the aged in the UK.
In a brief chat with the media after the conferment, Chief (Barr.) Sunny Idigbe expressed his gratitude and humility at being honored. “It’s very personal and very dear to me. It’s completely different, and I feel very humbled and honored,” he said. He added that the recognition would motivate him to work harder for the community. “Wanting appreciation is also an invitation to do more. Now that we are being appreciated, it’s an honor for us to do more.”
Addressing the belief that chieftaincy titles are fetish, Chief Idigbe disagreed, explaining that it’s more about honor than anything else. “When you are being invited to be honored, it’s like being a knight. Different societies have their ceremonies for chieftaincy titles, but ours is different—not fetish, but rather an honor.”
Chief Idigbe urged Uwheru people to work together for the progress of Uwheru, emphasizing unity and collective effort. “We are not rivals. Our rivals are out there in other communities. Let us work together as one, with one heart and one mind, to see the progress of Uwheru. If everybody contributes to one tribe, it will make a nation.”
Chief Comfort Idigbe Fatinikun, who also flew in from the UK, expressed her pride and gratitude for being part of the tradition and becoming a chief. “My king is a wonderful man for doing this for us. I am really grateful and appreciative of becoming a chief. We thank God for everything.”
She added that the conferment would inspire her to further serve her community. “This is an example that when you serve, you are recognized. So, this would encourage others to serve and make meaningful contributions.”
