Tweeps have slammed the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, for leaving his palace to welcome the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
Atiku was in Anambra on Thursday to stage his presidential rally in the state, during which he was welcomed at the Anambra Government House by Governor Charles Soludo.
Also present at the Government House to receive Atiku was the Obi of Onitsha, to the displeasure of some tweeps.
Sharing photos from the meeting, Atiku wrote, “I just ended a consultation meeting with the Anambra State Council of traditional rulers, led by His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe CFR. I am happy for the opportunity to address the audience, and I’m most appreciative of their blessings.
“I told them about the core objective of our Recovery mission, which is to ensure the unity of Nigeria so that every part of the country will have a sense of belonging. And also to build a prosperous economy that will positively touch everyone. -AA #RecoverAnambraWithAtiku.”
Not pleased by the photos, one Twitter user, identified as @chude, said, “Obi of Onitsha needs to understand his place in Igboland? Dignitaries are supposed to pay him a courtesy visit at his palace. Not the order way round. Atiku pay courtesy visits to Oba of Benin, Ooni of Ife, Emir of Kano and Sultan of Sokoto at their palaces, but invites Obi of Onitsha to meet him in Awka. I have never seen such kind disrespect in my life.”
Another tweep, @Maninocourtour, said, “This man literally has a stadium in his compound to accommodate rallies with a ‘big enough obi’ yet he the almighty Obi of Onitsha left his mansion to pay homage to Atiku at Awka. Shame to Obi of Onitsha. Igwe Orizu of Nnewi kingdom can never embarrass his forefathers.”
@JosephOnuorah said, “Except Atiku barged into their meeting – then, I can understand. Otherwise, This is a disgraceful outing by the OBI of Onitsha! Will @atiku ask Sultan of Sokoto to come and meet him in a rented hall. IGBO – Gini ka anyi na eme du?!”
@afrisagacity said, “These are the greatest kings in Nigeria. In no particular order: Emir of Kano, Obi of Onitsha, Oba of Benin, Ooni of Ife, Sultan of Sokoto. Atiku visited all these kings in their palaces but only one of them left his throne and packed his kings to go and do excursion. Abomination!”
