The 2025 edition of the Izu Afia Chi festival in Issele-Uku, which held on Friday, August 15, was described as one of the most colourful celebrations in recent years. The event became even more remarkable when His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka, surprised traders and market women by doing all his shopping and giveaways with bundles of freshly minted Nigerian currency.
This rare act instantly became the talk of the town, with market women happily nicknaming the king “Obi CBN”—a playful reference to the Central Bank of Nigeria, which issues the country’s currency.
Dressed in dazzling traditional regalia, Obi Nduka arrived at the Afor market carrying his native money bag filled with new notes of different denominations. He moved from stall to stall, buying items from traders and handing out mint Naira in generous quantities. His presence brought joy, laughter, and excitement to both women and children at the market.
The amiable monarch was not alone. He was accompanied by a strong delegation of top traditional chiefs, including the Onotu, Idime, Igbebor, and Okpalabisi chiefs, who added grandeur to the occasion. After his market purchases, Obi Nduka paid homage to the Omu of Issele-Uku, Omu Beatrice Onwordi, who was seated with her Ndi Ilogo and the Ezinne of Issele-Uku, Chief (Barr.) Mrs. Josephine Ada Kachikwu, at the Odu Omu. Warm pleasantries, prayers, and exchange of gifts followed this royal courtesy visit.
Returning to the palace, Obi Nduka shared the market items with those who accompanied him and with others waiting at the palace. The celebrations continued as women and children received giveaways in new mint notes, while the king—full of joy—danced gracefully in thanksgiving to God and his ancestors.
The festival was a clear display of culture, generosity, and royalty, leaving the community with a memorable story to cherish.
Notable Chiefs Who Accompanied Obi Nduka:
- Onotu Chiefs: Chief Victor Isiekwenamgbu (Ozah of Issele-Uku), Chief John Ochei Ph.D (Okwalegwe of Issele-Uku), Chief I.G Memeh (Oloto of Issele-Uku), Chief Fidelis Jigide (Esogba of Issele-Uku).
- Idime Chiefs: Chief Peter Oduh (Ozoma of Issele-Uku), Chief Sunday Monyei (Osodi of Issele-Uku), Chief Austin Uche Maha (Uweh Obi of Issele-Uku), Chief (Barr.) Mrs. Josephine Ada Kachikwu (Ezinne of Issele-Uku).
- Igbebor Chiefs: Chief Egbo Adigwe (Chi-Obi of Issele-Uku), Chief Uche Ngbanwa (Ashi-Obi of Issele-Uku), Chief Okonkwo Ofiaju Okolie (Eze Dibie of Issele-Uku), Chief Isichei Morka (Isekwute of Issele-Uku).
The Izu Afia Chi festival remains one of Issele-Uku’s most celebrated cultural traditions, and this year, Obi Nduka’s generosity and the nickname “Obi CBN” will certainly be remembered for years to come.