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In what could best be described as a journey of honour, unity in diversity, and cross- cultural cohesion, a delegation of distinguished Igbo leaders, established industrialists, and business mavericks; on Saturday, November 1, 2025, left Abuja in a private jet to Ekiti State, in a show of love and solidarity for one of their renowned friends and associates, Chairman, G.U Ebeco Group Chairman, Chief Ebere Goodwill Uzozie Board of Trustees (BOT)Akuluno United Brothers Association of Nigeria.
The retinue of the powerful entourage, comprising respected community leaders, captains of industry and titled clan chiefs, was enroute Ekiti for the 2025 Iyin Day Grand Finale, where Chief Uzozie was honoured by His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye, with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Otunba Bobatolu of Iyin Kingdom, a revered title reserved for leaders whose vision and influence foster order, progress, and communal development.
In Yoruba anthropological linguistics, the Otunba Bobatolu is a title of honour often bestowed upon individuals who have distinguished themselves in their fields or have shown great leadership commitment, wisdom, or contributions to their communities.
The journey, undertaken in a private jet, reflected not merely a flight of honour but a gathering of achievers united by friendship, brotherhood, and a shared reverence for cultural heritage.
Captured in a video made aboard the flight by the Assistant Welfare Secretary of Akuluno United Brothers Association of Nigeria, Chief Obinna Etele, who said, “We are gathered to honour our BOT Chairman— Chief Uzozie— in Ekiti State.
This journey is a glorious one, with the presence of the distinguished President of Akuluno United Brothers, High Chief Mike Ejiogu, and many of our prominent members. This wine is toasted for the newly confered ‘ Otunba Bobatolu of Iyin Kingdom.”
The convivial moment was rich in cultural symbolism, as the group performed a traditional gesture, the touching of wine, a mark of blessing, and approval deeply rooted in Igbo and Yoruba traditions.
It was a sign of unity and mutual respect among great men who, though from different kingdoms, share one philosophy: honour, culture, and development.
Among the dignitaries that accompanied High Chief Ebere Goodwill Uzozie (African Julius Berger); to this remarkable event were illustrious Igbo leaders and captains of industry which included; Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu; Chairman, City Gate Homes Group, and Traditional Prime Minister of Anara Ancient Kingdom; Chief Nickky Jonas Okeke, MON, Chairman, Fortec Group; Chief Obinna Etele, GMD, Eteleson Group; Chief Sir Izuchukwu Okafor, Chairman , Tonnelz Autos Limited; Chief Nzube Ozumba, Chairman, Ozumba Computers; and Ozo Hipolite Chukwunyelu.
Their esteemed presence at the watershed cultural fiesta, according to the media consultant, Njoku Macdonald Obinna, it was an rare assemblage of visionaries and true patriots, which also underscored the unity in diversity and shared respect among South East leading Igbo entrepreneurs, men whose entrepreneurial exploits , philanthropy, and deep cultural root , continue to inspire younger generations.
It’s also heartwarming to note that all the senators from Ekiti State led by Senate Majority leader, Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central Senatorial District); Sen. Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North Senatorial District); and Sen. Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South Senatorial District) were said to be in attendance.
The Iyin Day celebration, an annual cultural festival that unites sons and daughters of Iyin Kingdom, holds special significance this year as it commemorates the 5th Coronation Anniversary of the Oluyin of Iyin Kingdom and the 75th Anniversary of the community’s unification into its modern settlement.
The celebration, themed around unity and progress, seeks to raise One Billion Naira for transformative community projects; including an ICT Centre, an Ultra-Modern Shopping Complex, and10,000-seater Palace Pavilion.
High Chief Uzozie’s selection as eminent guest of honour and recipient of the Otunba Bobatolu title symbolizes his enduring commitment to rural development, economic empowernment, job creations, philanthropy, and the advancement of cultural diplomacy between the two regions.
Known for his humility and philanthropic gestures; including award of educational scholarships to Imo students in various higher institutions of learning in the state, and community empowerment programs, Chief Uzozie remains a towering figure whose influence transcends state lines.
In the words of Ejiogu; “this is not just a title; it is a covenant between tradition and leadership. G.U Ebeco carries the spirit of omenala with modern wisdom, a true son of Igboland whose success reflects the values of hard work, resilience, and dignity.”
As the private jet left Ekiti State after the watershed event, it was not merely a departure of guests who visited an ancient kingdom but the continuation of a legacy.
From the heart of Imo to the heritage of Ekiti, the journey of Uzozie stands as a powerful reminder that when culture and leadership walk hand in hand, destiny bows in respect.
