Ogbaekirigwe: The Legacy

“Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” – Chinua Achebe

Why This Project Matters

The Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation is committed to preserving Igbo history and identity by telling our own stories, in our own voices.

Ogbaekirigwe: The Legacy is more than a documentary project. It is a cultural archive designed to honor leadership, preserve oral history, and inspire future generations. By documenting the life and reign of His Royal Majesty Chief Michael Ogba Ekirigwe, we reclaim narratives that colonial records often erased, simplified, or distorted.

This project affirms the importance of indigenous leadership, community memory, and cultural continuity.

Who Was Ogbaekirigwe?

His Royal Majesty Chief Michael Ogba Ekirigwe, the Ogaba Idu of Ishielu, reigned from 1959 to 1978. He was not only a traditional ruler, but a visionary leader whose influence extended across social, educational, and economic life.

During his reign, he:

  • Built roads, maternity homes, and schools that transformed his community

  • Encouraged access to education, including overseas study, for his children and citizens

  • Championed progressive values, including women’s dignity and participation

  • Supported farming, trade, and prosperity across his lands

  • Raised a large family of over 100 children, many of whom became leaders, academics, and changemakers

His values and leadership continue through his descendants and mentees, including the founder of the Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation, Professor Ike-Elechi Ogba.

What We’ve Done So Far

As the first step in documenting Ogbaekirigwe’s life and legacy, the Foundation hosted a two-day Creative Writing Workshop in collaboration with Ebonyi State University.

The workshop brought together students from:

  • Linguistics

  • English and Literary Studies

  • Mass Communication

Participants engaged directly with oral accounts of Ogbaekirigwe’s reign and examined royal artifacts, including regalia, musical instruments, and archival photographs.

Guided by creative writing coach Mrs. Pauline Iyke-Ogbo, students transformed these oral histories into carefully researched narrative works, balancing creative expression with historical accuracy.

The workshop produced five original short stories, now being prepared for publication as part of a forthcoming book. These works form a foundational written archive of the Ogbaekirigwe Legacy.

Archival Documentation of the Ogbaekirigwe Palace

In parallel, the Foundation undertook a comprehensive photographic archival of the Ogbaekirigwe Palace and its artifacts. Working with a professional photographer, royal regalia, instruments, artworks, and architectural details were carefully documented to preserve their historical value. This visual archive provides a permanent record that will support the upcoming book, documentary, and future exhibitions, ensuring Ogbaekirigwe’s legacy is preserved for generations to come.

What’s Next: The Documentary & Museum

The Foundation is currently producing a four-part documentary series exploring:

  1. The Family Legacy: Ogbaekirigwe as a father, mentor, and patriarch

  2. Leadership and Service: His vision for governance, development, and community wellbeing

  3. The Royal Palace: A cultural tour of regalia, artifacts, and traditions

  4. Legacy in Action: How the Foundation continues his values today

This project also represents a foundational step toward the establishment of a virtual and physical Igbo Heritage Museum, dedicated to preserving traditional leadership, knowledge systems, and cultural identity.

Why Your Support Matters

This is a people-powered effort. We are determined to document and celebrate this story, but we need partners to help bring it to life. With your support, we will produce a professional documentary, publish creative works, and build a museum that ensures this legacy endures.

Support the Project
Account Name: Professor Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation
Bank: UBA
Account Number: 1028125676