Nigeria, Jan. 20 -- I share a common ancestry from Udezuga of Ire Village, Obosi, with Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Adazie Obosi-the most senior Ndichie of Obosi and a man I have long admired.

When he was capped Adazie Obosi in 1982 (I believe), I was an 11-year-old boy. That day, I served as the bell boy to the late Odu Obosi, Chief Amobi. In Obosi tradition, Ndichie are escorted by a bell boy, ringing the bell as they proceed to ceremonial occasions.

We had just arrived in Obosi from Enugu, and as a young boy, I enjoyed the warmth and company of Odu Obosi, who was also our neighbour. On the day of Adazie's capping, I rang the bell and watched-wide-eyed-as Obosi culture unfolded in full splendour.

What struck me most was Chief Emeka Anyaoku h...