THE ISSEKE KINGDOM

There has been continuous controversy and disputation in the international

academic circle over the nativity of a prodigious African of Igbo stock called

Olaudah Equiano, Gustavus Vassa,the African. Equianowa~ enslaved in the 18th

century. He later secured his freedom (1766), achieved wealth and great

international fame. Lovejoy (2005), states that he was perhaps the first black

person to command a large audience in Britain. Olaudah referred to himself as "The African" whose native home was Essaka in Eboe. Some European sources and scholars consider that Equiano merely invented his African, (Eboe) origin and that he came from the West

Indies. Scholars of Igbo history generally agree that Olaudah was an Igbo man,

but his precise home is not clear.

Late Prof. C. Acholonu

It was Prof. c.0 Acholonu who took up the challenge of establishing the root of Equiano. After two years of anthropological investigation and study in Isseke, Acholonu concluded that Olaudah Equiano was Olude Ekwealuo born in Isseke in Igboland. Acholonu's research seemed to settle the centuries-long search for Equiano's nativity. So we started to hear of the proposed Olaudah Equiano Local Government and recently a proposed Olaudah Equiano International Conference center, Isseke. Recently another scholar, Vincent Caretta revisited the controversy and projected the view that Olaudah indeed was born in South Carolina. The pertinent question and, the knot to untie therefore is which view on the nativity of Olaudah is now valid. Isseke, the claimed home of Olaudah, had played a major role in the research and conclusions of Acholonu; the study was conducted directly in Isseke. Some prominent elders and citizens were interviewed. So, Isseke spoke to the world through Prof. Acholonu's work. It now appears necessary that the voice of the town should be heard directly by the international community Isseke people may of course ask; what is the need for the search for the nativity of a man lost hundreds of years ago? The answer to this question is important but should come later.

DR. L.O.I. OGUEZE
Department of Social Sciences,
Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

HRH Igwe Emmanuel Nnabuife

HRH Igwe Emmanuel Nnabuife, is the Traditional Ruler of Isseke Ancient Kingdom (the birthplace of Olaudah Equiano), in Anambra State.

A Nigeria trained Construction Engineer. An emancipator of rural dwellers, comitteed to the eradication of hunger & disease in rural Africa and a crusader against all forms of Modern Slavery. A promoter of the Igbo language and culture.

Igwe Nnabuife and Okafor

He was spotted recently at the grand finale ceremony of the Igbo language essay competition held in Anambra state on the 5th of April 2014, a laudable program hosted by Igbo Ga Adi Foundation of IFMA Initiative, Igwe Nnabuife in his remarks commended Mr. Ikechukwu Okafor, the host and initiator of the program for introducing such a wonderful competitive and educative program aimed at reviving the Igbo culture and language. It should be recalled that Igbo Ga Adi aof IFMA Initiative founded by Ikechukwu Okafor hosted an annual Igbo language essay competition for all Secondary School students in Anambra state, Okafor rewarded winners of the competition with millions of naira and prizes, teachers smiled home with cash prizes and other prizes ranging from refrigerator, computer, printer etc, schools that produced the winning students also smiled home with mouthwatering prizes. The program was sponsored by Osita Chidoka OFR, Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of FRSC. Igwe Nnabuife applauded the initiative and urged Mr. Okafor, to do everything possible to sustain the annual program.
The Ancient Kingdom of Isseke in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, honoured His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze with the chieftaincy title of “Ebube Chukwu, Isseke”, after the well attended pontifical mass presided over by the Cardinal on Sunday, August 19, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Isseke.

Igwe Nnabuife conferring the chieftaincy title to His Eminence Cardinal Arinze

Answering questions from the press on the chieftaincy honour bestowed on him by the traditional ruler of Isseke, His Royal Highness Igwe Emmanuel C. Nnabuife (JP), Ezeoha II of Isseke and his cabinet.  Cardinal Arinze said he was overwhelmed and expressed that Isseke wished him well.

Cardinal Arinze, His Royal Highness and his cabinet

Speaking, HRH, Igwe E.C. Nnabuife, Ezeoha II of Isseke told the press that the visit of Cardinal Arinze was to strengthen the people’s faith in God.  On Security, Igwe Nnabuife assured that the security is tight in Isseke.  He went further to say that the vigilante boys were well equipped and they are keeping watch round the clock.  His Royal Highness expressed gratitude to God for Governor Peter Obi’s Administration and prayed for better successor next year.