By Ayomide Otitoju
Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, widely known as Omobarca, has been honored with the esteemed Royal Chieftaincy title of “Ebube Sinachi 1 of Olokoro Uvuoma” in a grand ceremony held at the Olokoro Clan Hall in Umuahia South LGA, Abia State.
The event, which drew a large gathering of dignitaries, friends, and well-wishers, recognized Hon. Chima’s commitment to his community and his respected leadership. The ceremony coincided with the Iwaji festival, a culturally significant event celebrating the new yam harvest, hosted by His Royal Majesty, Eze Izuogu Boniface, the Okwu Mgba 1 of Okwu Ancient Kingdom.
In a show of appreciation for royal duties, Hon. Chima presented a brand new Lexus RX350 (2019/2020 model) to His Royal Majesty, Eze Izuogu Boniface. His generosity extended further, with donations of ₦500,000 each to the Umutowe, Azuiyi, and Epe cultural groups, as well as ₦500,000 and a cow to each of the 17 communities that make up the Olokoro clan. Additionally, he gifted cash and a cow to each of the 17 traditional rulers within the clan. These gestures underscored his dedication to unity, welfare, and community harmony.
As reported by his personal assistant and media aide, Obinna Francis Solace, the ceremony was a resounding success, characterized by vibrant cultural displays, expressions of gratitude, and a strong sense of community spirit. Hon. Chima’s elevation to “Ebube Sinachi 1” solidifies his standing as a leader committed to the progress and prosperity of Olokoro Uvuoma.
In a separate ceremony on August 5th, the Okwu autonomous community gathered to bestow another prestigious title, “Agalaba 1,” on Hon. Chima, marking his elevation to the revered status of “Royal High Chief,” a first in Olokoro’s rich cultural history.
