Emeka Esogbue
One of the richest Nigerian peoples in terms of human resources are the Anioma- rich in academia, sports, politics, business, science and theatre. This recent one demonstrates the people as the hubbub and culture centre of the nation.
To mark the Delta State 25 anniversary, the Anioma people organized themselves and staged a drama on 'Iredi War', a popularly play written by one of Anioma's greatest playwright, Prof Sam Ukala. The drama was staged at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
As early as possible, spectators had started trooping into the government house hall to watch the drama knowing what to expect.
IREDI WAR is based on the history of the 1906 uprising of the Anioma people of Owa Kingdom, currently in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria against British oppressive colonial rule as championed by Assistant District Commissioner O. S. Crewe-Read whom the Owa people called Iredi.
Crewe-Read sent his police to arrest the Obi of Owa but quite typical of warlike Anioma, the Obi and Owa youth leaders resisted the sacrilege. Crewe-Read's police killed the youth leader and arrested some others. The rest of Owa youths then mobilized, ambush and killed Crewe-Read.
The British government in reaction sent a punitive expedition and a full-blown war broke out, details of which are breaking.
The IREDI WAR of the Anioma people has been rated highly, nationally and internationally. It won the 2014 Nigerian Prize for Literature which is the highest literary award in Africa and has been produced in many universities across Nigeria.
Principal actors of this stage play at the Government House Hall included Mr. Alex Akpu who played the role of Igboba; Kemute Henry who played Iwekuba; Josephine Nwakor who played the role of Nneka the Queen; Nwaneri Chinedu played Crewe-Read; Harrison Ndu played Lawani; Okafor Chigozie played Acholem; Awalti Minma played Nwaobi; Unoma Akiti played Chichester; Angela Odibeli played Nwoma; Paul played Ekome; Onos Emeotu played Rudkin; Akintade Samuel played Onyela.
Anioma dignitaries in attendance to watch the play include the following dignitaries:
Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State Governor; the Delta State Deputy Governor; the Obi of Owa Kingdom; Obi of Umunede; Obi of Onicha-Ugbo; Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Mr. Jim Ovia; Prof Sam Ukala, the playwright and several other royal fathers from the Anioma region, State Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Service.
Special thanks to Prof Ukala, who looking within has been focusing his literary proficiency on his Anioma people against many others that look outside.
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