We represent Igbo culture in Diaspora
OBI IGBO RHEIN-MAIN E.V. HISTORY
Obi-Igbo, formerly Igbo Cultural Association (ICA) brief history
The idea to form or create an Igbo association in Rhein/Main was first discussed at Nze Iyke’s late father’s wake-keep in his living room. He invited the Igbo brothers (the majority of whom were from Awo-Omamma, an eastern Nigerian town) living around Aschaffenburg, where he resided. During the session, there were discussions on how such a gathering would be beneficial to the Igbos. At that time, most of them were still asylum seekers and did not have residence permits.
The association was initiated in 1996; the first meeting took place in Aschaffenburg at Maxwell’s residence. Discussions were also ongoing on how to register ICA. An interim executive was nominated at the Aschaffenburg meeting, with Late Chief Ahamefule Lambert serving as chairman of the interim executives. The union hosted its first end-of-year party in 1996 in Darmstadt. The first election occurred in 1997 and was composed of some members of the interim executive team. The union then worked towards registering officially; Mr. Vincent Ejikeme oversaw the drafting of the constitution, with Mr. Maxwell serving as the constitution committee chairman, and Mr. Chuks Larry Ukah handling the German translation.
The first executive officers of the union were as follows:
– Late Chief Ahamefule Lambert, Chairman
– Engr. Okoli Stanley, Vice Chairman
– Mr. Ukah Chuks, General Secretary
– Nze Obi Iyke, Financial Secretary
– Mr. Okoye Chris, Treasurer
ICA was officially registered in 1998 with the newly elected executives. The union operated successfully until 2002 when crises arose. Disputes and misunderstandings among the pillars of the union and its executives, financial crises, and the exodus of dedicated members led to a decline in meeting turnout and a subsequent deterioration of the union’s functions. The final blow occurred when the union lost its meeting venue in Kalstein am Main.
**Transition from ICA to Obi Igbo Rhein-Main e.V.**
After the death of Mr. Michael (Marco) Njoku, there was a low turnout of members. The remaining funds were used to transport Mr. Michael (Marco) Njoku’s body to Nigeria, leaving the account depleted. The poor turnout led to meetings being held at Mr. Nwoye Arinze’s house. Mr. Eugene Amaonye and Mr. Chid Chamberlain were appointed as caretakers of the union, serving as interim chairmen.
Nze Uzoma suggested that meetings in someone’s house are not ideal because they can create friction between the hosting couple. Mr. Gerald Iwueze offered a new space near Hanau Bahnhof. Mazi Owens suggested that the union needed a new name, as members felt demoralized whenever ICA was mentioned. Names such as *Igbo na enyi* and *Obi Igbo* were proposed respectively by Nze Ifego and Nze Okonkwo.
**The name Obi Igbo was adopted.** Subsequently, an election was held, and Mr. Enwerem became chairman, with Chief Onuoha as vice chairman. The meeting hall at Hanau Bahnhof was relinquished, and Mr. Ijebor kindly offered his office space for meetings, which Obi Igbo used for several months free of charge. Later, a new hall was found in Hanau, but it was inconvenient as it closed at 9 pm.
Disagreements arose after the celebration of the life of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, due to unauthorized spending. Subsequently, Obi Igbo was evicted from the location. An early election was called, and the election was held before the end of the current tenure, creating divisions among members. Mr. Oti won the election as chairman, and the faction led by Enwerem left the union. The election process continued at the next meeting, which further reduced membership.
During Chairman Oti’s tenure, Mr. Nwosu’s wife hosted meetings with refreshments for several months. Tensions persisted, and there was no official election after his tenure; instead, a caretaker committee was appointed:
– Mr. Chukwuemeka Mbamara
– Nze Johannes Okonkwo
– Mr. Obi Okoli
The union regained members during this reconciliation process, and normalcy was restored. The transition was peaceful.
Some members went above and beyond to support the union’s development through financial assistance, providing meeting venues, storing union properties and music equipment free of charge, supplying refreshments during meetings, and purchasing masquerades. These individuals deserve recognition in this brief history:
– Chief Lambert Ahamufule
– Nze Iyke Obi
– Nze Victor Uzoma
– Dr. Emeka Ani
– Amb. Nze Chuka Okoyeocha
– Mr. Lazarus Ijebor
– Chief Chukwuemeka Mbamara
– Mrs. Gladys Uti
– Mr. and Mrs. Nwosu
– Mr. Arinze Nwoye
– Mr. Chid Chamberlain
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Obi-Igbo has played a significant role in the Nigerian community in Germany, especially under the leadership of Chief Lambert Ahamufule, who later became President of the Nigerian Community in Germany. He was also one of the initiators of the Igbo Republican Council, now known as Ndi Igbo Germany. Obi Igbo has contributed to the birth and development of sister unions and has actively participated in numerous cultural activities across Europe.
Members of the Obi Igbo History Committee include:
– Nze Iyke Obi
– Amb. Nze Chuka Okoyeocha
– Nze Johannes Okonkwo
– Nze Chief Engr. Ikechukwu Eriobu
External helpers/former members include:
– Mr. Ukah Chuks
– Mr. Vincent Ejikem