BY CHARLES EMENI
This week, I am respectfully dedicating this page to the Obi of Owa Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State as he celebrates his 88th birthday. He is HRM (Dr) Emmanuel Onyeike Efeizomor 11.
A few years ago, when I had a challenge at my place of work, he taught me courage. When I stood alone, and everyone turned against me, he stood in the gap for me. “Your Majesty, you showed me fatherly love, and you made me know that love was more powerful than bullets from those who were against me, and those who masked up, pretending to be with and for me. Thank you so much”.
The Holy Writ declares, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens”. On Thursday, March 12, 2026, that season and time came, when children, Kings, friends, relatives, and admirers came out in their large numbers for the purpose of celebrating and honouring His Majesty, Obi Efeizomor 11- an Iconic, and one of the longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria, having spent 66 years on the throne.
Obi Efezimor means different things to different people. Aside from being a much respected monarch in Delta State and beyond, he is a reliable, dependable and resourceful father; a monarch with a very rich reservoir of the culture of the Owa people, and the history of Nigeria, defunct Bendel and through to Delta State.
His vast and rich knowledge of the culture of the Owa people is, perhaps, better captured in the words of the Inneh of Owa Kingdom, Chief (Engr) Okwuokenye Nkenchor (JP), when he said, “I’d known and been with His Majesty, Obi Emmanuel Efezimor, for over 66 years, and I make bold to say that all that we know about Owa Kingdom is centred around him. He is a living encyclopaedia of the Owa people’s history and culture”.
Before the D Day, March 12, the birthday celebration began with a novelty football match, titled: “Obi of Owa Unity Football Tournament Cup”, between the eight communities that make up Owa Kingdom; followed by awards to deserving and distinguished sons, daughters and friends of the Kingdom for their social-economic and cultural contributions to its growth and development; the cutting of His Majesty’s 88th birthday cake, Owa Cultural Day, which saw various cultural groups from within and outside Owa Kingdom; and the paying of traditional homage to His Majesty by sons and daughters of the Kingdom, as well as well-wishers and friends; and a praise and Thanksgiving service on March 14, at the Owa Royal Palace ground.
Speaking on how he feels turning 88, HRM Efeizomor, looking visibly calm, but emotionally grateful to God, has this to say: “I’m 88 years old today and still kicking strong. It is indeed a thing of joy to me, but more essentially, it has reinforced my conviction that there is God. If not for God, I wouldn’t be 88, and if it were the wish of man, I wouldn’t be here today.
“I don’t know how best to appreciate God for His grace of keeping me alive in the past 88 years. Nobody, born of a woman, would have done what God has done for me. I had faced disappointments, humiliations, and betrayals in the past 88 years of my life. People I trusted, worked for, and took it upon myself to defend their interests, turned around to disappoint me. But God, whom I have not done anything for, has done so much for me. He has been faithful to me and kept me alive till today, when I am 88 years old. I give Him all the glory and praise.
“Many of my schoolmates and co-traditional rulers have died, yet it has pleased God to keep and sustain me. For this, I say Thank You, Sir, my God, my Father and my Maker”.
Emphasising why people should trust and give their life to God, Obi Efezimor said, “When I became a king, 66 years ago, within the first four years, I had no bicycle, but now I have a beautiful palace, and cars, one of which runs into millions of naira, courtesy of His Excellency, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State. What have I done for him to deserve this, but I know it is the grace of God upon my life”.
He added, “In the face of the disappointments from man, if not for God, who gave me some friends who remembered me during my low moments, who stood by me, and had remained instruments of trust, where would I have been today? “
Further reflecting on the goodness and grace of God in his life, Obi Efezimor said, “Many persons in this country – leaders, and even kings did not live up to my coronation years – 66. They have died. I do not rejoice about that, but I’m saying so to tell of God’s grace upon me, and for keeping me alive till 88.
Every night, at bedtime, he said, “I pray to God, saying, My Father and my Maker in Heaven, I am here before you. The day you gave me is over. I have nothing to give you in return, but praise and thanks. Please accept my praise and thanks. I beg you, keep me protected and safe; let me see tomorrow.
In the morning, when I wake up, I go on my knees in prayer again to God, saying, ‘My Father in Heaven, thank you for watching over me and for keeping me alive’. And while in the bathroom, I pray to Him again, saying, ‘Father, thank you for giving me the grace to bathe myself unaided by anyone, even at 88’. And, as I put on my dress, I also pray to my Father in heaven, saying, “My Father, thank you for making me move my hands and legs freely, and for putting on my clothes unaided by anyone. It can only be you who has made this possible. THANK YOU, SIR’’
Looking back at the journey of life, he says, “I thank all those who helped me along the way, too numerous to mention. God used you as instruments to help me rise to where I am today. I thank you all.”
And from me, Your Royal Majesty, “as you turn 88 today, I pray for continued strength, wisdom and good health for you. I hope that your voice will remain active in fighting for the oppressed and reign over your people. May we gather again to celebrate you at 89, 90 and more in Jesus name. Amen.
