Chief Osita Chidoka, a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said he was willing to reconcile with Igwe Chidubem Iweka, the traditional ruler of Obosi Community, Idemili North Council of Anambra and work for peace in the community.
Chidoka made the declaration during the 10th anniversary thanksgiving of his conferment of the traditional title of Ike-Obosi by the community at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Obosi on Sunday.
It will be recalled that the Chidoka and two other persons were suspended from the Obosi traditional council of chiefs for alleged sacrilegious act of ordering that dead bodies be taken to the Igwe’s palace.
The bodies were those of Obosi youths who died during the March 9 rerun election for Idemili North and Idemili South Federal Constituency.
Chidoka said he was solely responsible for the act and appealed that Chief Linus Mgbakaogu (Atta-Obosi) and Chief Hyman Udemba (Akamposi Obosi) who were suspended alongside him be excused.
He said he was moved to seek reconciliation with the monarch and peace in Obosi by the sermon of the day, adding that he had also forgiven all those who wronged him in the process.
The former minister of aviation who offered to go and mend fences with Igwe Iweka made true his word by going to the palace in company of the priest and Obosi prime minister and dignitaries.
The monarch was, however, not in the palace when he visited according to the guards on duty.
“What we are doing today is thanksgiving to God for all he has done for us, all we have achieved is not by our making but because God is faithful.
“We are grateful because in March this year, my younger brother, Obinna was running for House of Representatives, unfortunately there was crisis, people were maimed and killed in Obosi.
“God saw the purity of our hearts and restored our mandate at the Court of Appeal, so in line with the message of the priest, I want to apologise to the Igwe that he should forgive any wrong I have done him.
“I was alone in this and I take full responsibility, so Atta-Obosi and Akamposi Obosi should be left out of it.
“I am sorry and I have forgiven those who offended me, we need peace in Obosi,” he said.
Chidoka thanked his father who consented that he should be given the title 10 years ago, saying being Ike-Obosi came with so much blessing and also a burden to be a blessing to Obosi.
“My father supported me and agreed that I be made Ike-Obosi, that title made me to be the head of the family but 10 years after he is here with me in the church and my mother too,” he said.
Ven. Ikechukwu Ihemtuge, Arch-Deacon/Vicar of St. Andrews Anglican Church, who delivered a sermon entitled “Oh God Our Help in Ages Past”, said only fools say in their heart that there was no God.
Ihemtuge thanked God for giving Chidoka the grace to come on his volition to come and thank Him.
He urged parents to train their their children so that they could be people they would be proud of in the future.
“We thank God for what he has done in your live, not everybody has the attitude of gratitude, most people see themselves as self-made, only fools say there is no God.
“As a young man of 38 years, Osita was recognised as a Chief in Obosi Kingdom, not everybody get such rare honour, people carry money about looking for where to buy it.
“As a young man you were the biggest officer in Road Safety, as a young man you retired from active service when people are changing their names over and over, you also became a minister as young man.
“The joy of all these is that the good things are happening to him before the eyes of his father and mother, parents are encouraged to train their children so that they can witness the success of their children.
“This is just the beginning, you have done half of what God has destined for you to do, but please don’t take the grace of God for granted.
“I call on you to embrace unity so that there can be peace which brings progress, Chidoka you are a great man in this community, God can use you as instrument of peace, how that is going to be, I do not know,” he said.
