Late His Eminence, ENB Opurum, GSSRS, MFR, JP, Ochie of Etche Ethnic Nationality.
The Etche Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs has announced the commencement of what it described as the “transfiguration and transformational journey” of the late Ochie ENB Opurum, a revered traditional figure in Etcheland.
The announcement was contained in a statement dated September 16, 2026, signed by HRH Eze Dr. Ken O. Nwala, JP, KSC, identified in the document as Ugo 1 of Etcheland and Onye Ishi Agwuru III of Ulakwo Umuselem.
The statement, issued on behalf of the Etche Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, described Ochie Opurum as a patriarch and mentor whose leadership, according to the council, contributed significantly to the development of Etcheland.
The council paid tribute to Ochie Opurum, describing him as “the great legend of our time,” “the father of kings,” “the great oracle,” “the mouthpiece of our ancestors” and “the enduring father of Etcheland.”
According to the statement, Ochie Opurum represented “the old from the new” and led Etcheland with what the council described as truth, justice and equity, while promoting harmony, peace and love across the land.
The council further stated that the people of Etche had attained their present position because of his leadership, adding that “the everlasting path of justice” which he opened must not be allowed to close.
As part of arrangements for the period described as an interregnum, the Etche Supreme Council announced a number of directives to be observed across Etcheland.
The council declared that all traditional and cultural festivals and ceremonies, including wrestling and New Yam celebrations, are suspended until the next season.
It also suspended all chieftaincy coronations and installation ceremonies until the end of the transfiguration period.
The council directed that all flags across Etcheland should fly at half-mast during the transformation period.
It further announced that the traditional market days of Eke, Nkwo, Afor and Orie would continue, with customary rites paid to the Ochie on every market day for a period of 90 market days.
The council called on all citizens of Etche and those living in the area to conduct themselves peacefully and orderly, in accordance with the customs and traditions of the land, during and after the period.
It also directed the six clan heads of Etcheland and their chiefs to continue upholding what it described as the three pillars of justice, equity and fairness in pursuit of unity, peace and love in the community.
In its concluding message, the council called on sons and daughters of Etche to honour and celebrate Ochie Opurum as he embarks on what it described as his “peaceful journey home,” while urging obedience to the will and wishes of the ancestors and God Almighty.
The announcement marks the beginning of an interregnum in the traditional institution, with the council outlining specific cultural and traditional measures to be observed across Etcheland during the period.
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