Eze-D’arah founded Ihiala, says Anambra monarch

2026-02-18 - 08:27

By Nwabueze Okonkwo ONITSHA — The traditional ruler of Umu-D’arah in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Majesty, Noble Sir Tobias Ifezuo Odimegwu Nwadialor, the Eze-D’arah XVI, has reaffirmed that, according to oral tradition preserved by his lineage, Eze-D’arah I was the founder and progenitor of present-day Ihiala. Speaking to journalists at his palace in Umu-D’arah, in the presence of his son, Barrister E.E. Nwadialor, the monarch explained that historical accounts handed down through his forebears indicate that Eze-D’arah I migrated from the ancient Benin Kingdom several centuries ago and settled in the area then known as Ihe-A’rah, which he said was later anglicised as Ihiala during the colonial period. He added that other groups subsequently joined the early settlement, leading to the formation of what is today referred to as Ebem Leri Ihe-A’rah (Ihiala). According to the monarch’s narration of tradition, nine other migrants arrived at different periods and were integrated into the community structure established by Eze-D’arah I. He listed Awaraike, Ngum, Ama-Duru and Edike as settlers in Ihite quarter, while in Ama-Mu, Ubahu-Ekwem, Akwa-Uzorakwa, Dim-Ogoo and Ejim-Oke settled in Ezi-Ise quarter. He further stated that the Ogboro people later joined as an Ebem, while Uzorakwa emerged from Akwa as a distinct Ebem within the community. Eze- D’arah explained that, in keeping with accounts maintained by his palace, the early settlers retained their individual deities while also recognising certain central shrines within the wider traditional framework. He mentioned Urasi Dioha, Ndoro-Ohia, Ngwu-Akwa, Ihu-Ogwugwu, Agwunsi and other ancestral deities associated with different families, adding that communal worship practices evolved within what he described as the structure founded by Eze-D’arah I. On traditional rites, the monarch stated that, according to custom as observed in his lineage, the breaking of kolanut remains a symbolic prerogative of descendants of Eze-D’arah, although High Chiefs such as the Oluoha or Ogbuehi may perform the rite after presentation in appropriate circumstances. Addressing discussions within the community regarding traditional hierarchy, Eze-D’arah maintained that, based on the oral history and customs recognised by his palace, the Eze-D’arah stool represents the apex traditional authority in Ihiala. He stated that, in his understanding of Ihiala’s customary structure, the Oluoha title is that of a High Chief and does not, in his view, confer kingship over the entire community. He acknowledged that perspectives may differ within Ihiala on issues of traditional hierarchy, noting that various quarters have their respective Ogbuehis who oversee local affairs within the broader customary framework. However, he reiterated that, according to the traditions handed down in his lineage, the Eze-D’arah remains the recognised crown head of the community. Tracing the succession lineage as preserved in his family records, the monarch stated that Eze-D’arah I was succeeded by his first son, Orjiako Ogbuehi Eze-D’arah, after which the kingship passed successively through Nnebo, Oba-Diugwu,Eze Kamba, Mmadueke and Uzorwulu . Iheaghochukwu Eleazar Onyemuze, who was the 15th Eze-D’arah and his predecessor . He noted that he was crowned the 16th Eze-D’arah in 2001 following the late Iheaghochukwu Eleazar Onyemuze Eze- D’Arah XV passing in 1996. The monarch also referenced historical documents, including what he described as the Smith Report, which he said made distinctions regarding traditional titles within the area. He expressed the view that clarity in traditional roles and historical understanding would foster unity and peace within the community.