BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Ondo
The Och’Idoma and Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Agaba’idu Dr Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, has been conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Theology Honoris Causa by Wesley University, Ondo, a recognition the monarch described as a divine call to deeper service.
Expressing appreciation, the King said, “I receive this honour with profound humility and gratitude to Almighty God. I thank the Governing Council and Senate of Wesley University for deeming my modest contributions worthy of this distinguished recognition. For seventeen years, the University has stood as a beacon of hope and a builder of morally upright leaders.”
The Vice Chancellor, Right Reverend Professor Samuel Sunday Obeka, explained that the honour was given in recognition of the monarch’s devotion to God, his character, and his leadership. He stated that His Majesty embodies “a rare model of spiritual depth, community transformation, and commitment to national peace.”
After acknowledging the University, the Paramount Ruler turned to the Vice Chancellor, whom he celebrated as an outstanding son of the Idoma Kingdom. “When my noble son arrived at Wesley University, he met fewer than four hundred students. Today, through dedication, vision, and faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, he has grown this University to over four thousand students. He came, saw the challenges, and conquered them for the glory of God. I am deeply proud of him.”
He confirmed his awareness that the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom is preparing to honour the Vice Chancellor with a chieftaincy title, and used the moment to issue a firm cultural warning to traditional title holders.
“In Idoma tradition, a title is a sacred responsibility,” he said. “Title holders have the right to speak, but their words must reflect dignity and respect. Any title holder who speaks like a parrot in blatant disregard for the throne is unworthy of the honour.”
He cautioned that traditional titles are not for ego or attention seeking. “A titled chief who speaks publicly on matters they do not understand, merely to attract attention, forfeits both the honour and the blessings of the throne,” he warned.
He reinforced the point with Idoma wisdom.
“Òyi I tokonu jenu ma. Adó walaha, aawóyi galaha. A title misused yields no blessing and brings no honour.”
Addressing the Vice Chancellor directly, he said, “My son, uphold this title with dignity, candour, and moral weight. Avoid the path of those who seek applause instead of allegiance.”
He described Professor Obeka as “a leader of depth, humility, emotional intelligence, and evidence based judgment,” adding that his leadership stands out in an academic landscape often clouded by noise and trivialities.
His Royal Majesty concluded by reaffirming his gratitude for the honour and praying that the partnership between Wesley University and the Idoma Kingdom continues to yield lasting impact.
