OMENKA N'AKPUJIOGU

OMENKA N'AKPUJIOGU - THE BEAUTY BEHIND THE CURVES AND THE COURTYARDS

By Okey Emmanuel ODEWAIWAI

Great architects know that true architectural beauty lies behind the curves and the courtyards. While this write up would not give me time to assay the concept of curves and courtyards, I would borrow the idea to describe a man who, in present time, is behind most progressive moves in the ancient town of Akpu, otherwise known as Akpujiogu. 

Am talking of no mean man: a man of personality well known across old Aguata region and the entire Anambra State. A true son of Akpu. Many love him, many don't. I do not only love him. I jealous him. 

Engr Innocent Ike-Ibe is the man. OMENKA n'Akpujiogu.

He's a man clothed by God Almighty with a coat of many colours - as far as natural endowments are concerned.

In my village event few days ago, my jealousy for him grew taller. He stole the show with jokes and comic speeches. When he stood to dance, all eyes glued on him. 

The beauty of his versatility is that he's both African and continental. When he takes up such traditional (quintessential) art like Igbo commentary (íma mbem), you think he's a locale in the village. Yet, he belongs to the VIP class.That's why I jealous him, but with holy jealousy!

I have often wondered why one man alone will be filled with great natural endowments - unfaultable wisdom, an orator of a class, a motivational speaker and a great dancer? Again, his rich understanding of the history of almost all families, villages, and indeed, the entire town, is amazing. 

But the truth is that God Almighty in his wisdom has always picked a few personalities from every generation to build his creation in that society. Today, Omenka na Akpujiogu stands tall among such characters in our town. Hate him or love him, he has become to Akpu Town what River Nile is to Egypt.

His diplomatic prowess is another attribute that makes him to have his way any time, t. He's the type that will tell you to go to hell in such a way that you begin to look for your best attires in preparation for the trip.

I was privileged to have a peep into how the present lineup of APU team emerged and I wasn't too surprised that Omenka played a key role. Little wonder some now address him as the cabal head. Well, I have always seen that not many hands place the crown on the King's head.

The record-breaking APU general election few days ago, which can stand as the most peaceful town union election in Anambra State, is a confirmation to the fact that every town/society needs a character of Omenka n'Akpujiogu. They are the beauty behind the curves and the courtyards.

@okey.ODEWAIWAI.com