Should The Death Of Elder Dr Emmanuel Onyemaobi Adaelu, MFR, Amount To A Rudderless Ngwa Sub-ethnic Nationality?
Any person that had had the chance or privilege of coming into contact with late Elder Dr Emmanuel Onyemaobi Adaelu, MFR, would have taken note of some remarkable impressions about him. He was a very straightforward man, blunt, and a core Ngwa Patriot. He would boldly and proudly tell whoever that cared to listen that he was Ngwa, and never hid his Ngwa identity or regretted being Ngwa at any time.
Elder Dr Adaelu, a respected Teacher, Industrialist, Estate Mogul, Ambassador of the Adventist Faith, and Philanthropist, assiduously worked himself into the Leadership of the Ngwa Sub-ethnic Nationality. His thoughts and actions were unmistakably protective and promotional of the collective interest of the Ngwa.
While he lived, and stood as the Leader of Ngwa Sub-ethnic Nationality, having taken over from late erudite Dr George Wigwe, Elder Adaelu never spoke from both sides of his mouth. He called a spade by its name, and not just an instrument of digging. No amount of pecuniary or any type of material inducement could lure Elder Adaelu to ascribe to a non-Ngwa indigene what should be given to an Ngwa Man. Yes, he was very wealthy but the most important character he was associated with was that he had the discipline that distanced him from gullibility of the average. So, he led the Ngwa Sub-ethnic Nationality purposefully with a sense of direction, dignity and distinction. Under him, the Ngwa Sub-ethnic Nationality had a compass for proper navigation.
Very painfully and regrettably, since his death in July 2024, it has become obvious that Elder Adaelu’s demise has created a deep vacuum! No one has, so far, been evidently sufficient and able to wear the pair of shoes Elder Adaelu left. The Ngwa Sub-ethnic Nationality today appears to be at crossroads, with persons who do not have Ngwa as their first charge or consideration trying to parade themselves as leaders. Some of them may be looking forward to using their position to negotiate for filthy lucre from Governments. This disposition, especially now that the Ngwa Sub-ethnic Nationality is being subjected to all manner of ridicule, humiliation and indignity, particularly in respect of governance of Abia State come 2027, should be addressed and reviewed.
Every true Ngwa Man, Woman, Wife, Son or Daughter should rise, take the bull by the horn, and relentlessly work for an Ngwa Man to be Governor of Abia State in 2027. This is exactly what Elder Emmanuel Onyemaobi Adaelu, MFR, would have worked towards if he were alive.
An honour to this late Sage should translate to working towards the realization of this collective goal. Achieving it will mean that the fear that the Ngwa have become rudderless no longer holds.
Sir Don Ubani is a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Abia State, Okene Ukwu Nde Ngwa, and Publisher of Equity Global Reporters Ltd.
Wednesday (Eke) 09-09-2026.
