Nwobodo becomes clan head, returns to ancestral homestead

Elder statesman and former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim has returned to his ancestral compound after becoming the Onyeizhi Umunna (eldest man of his clan) in Ugwu Agba, Amechi-Uno, Enugu South local government area of Enugu State.

Nwobodo is 85 years old, born on May 9, 1940. He was celebrated at a grand event in 2025, where Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State honored him as a "priceless gift to humanity" and a symbol of selfless service.

Nwobodo had since 1999 left his Enugu GRA house to his house in Amechi that he built in 1978 before becoming a Governor in the second Republic.

He however returned to his native father's home in Ugwu Agba Amechi-Uno, on Sunday, saying that he wants to be participating fully in all his clan meetings and other community development as an Oha. 

Nwobodo told Daily Insider that, "Since my elder brother could not accomplish returning to this our father's house, I decided to return, especially now that I have become the eldest of our family."

He stated that the day was not a day of long speeches, adding that, "the important thing is that the governor of Enugubstate is here. The governor has honoured me with his presence and I ask the Governor to prepare for 2027.

Governor Peter Mbah made encomium on Nwobodo's wife, Pat, stating that behind every ageless man is an iconic woman and thanked Pat Nwobodo for caring for her husband, Jim. 

"I'm fully honored to be part of celebrating house warming for our father. You are a beacon who inspires me a great deal. Your foot print is all over the three states of Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra and that is a credit to you and the people of Nkanu land. You have inspired generations and from what you have continued to do, the public know their true hero and that is what the gathering here reflects. 

"Our prayer is that God will continue to strengthen you. We pray for continued mentorship as we will continue to call on you for mentorship. The house warming goes to confirm that there is no place like home. Ancestral home is a bond where we we commune and it's an epicenter. So I'm glad in the home coming. Young people are watching and would emulate us. As you celebrate this your house, God will continue to strengthen you in good health," Governor Mbah prayed.

In a homily after Nwobodo took the reading preceding the celebration of the home coming, Rev Fr. Dr. Kerian Onwuzu stated that, "because we are the children of God and because we are in the house of one blessed by God, we are all part of the blessing. 

"We all know Jim when he was in power. We are thanking God for keeping him alive to return to his homestead. He came to the market with a form (seat) and asked everyone to sit down. He is not selfish and since he is a good man, no harm shall befall him. We are blessing today and asking God to continue to bless him,"

Rev Fr John Amadi further prayed that peace remain in Nwobodo's house always.

Among guests who came for the celebration included Governor Peter Mbah, the Chairman of Enugu State traditional rulers council, HRH, Igwe Samuel Asadu among traditional rulers, leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other government and community leaders.