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. Ogbaekirigwe: The Legacy is more than a documentary — it is a cultural archive to honor a leader, preserve oral history, and inspire generations. By documenting His Royal Majesty Chief Michael Ogba Ekirigwe’s life and reign, we reclaim narratives that colonial records often erased or distorted.

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 monarch but a visionary leader who:

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

  • Encouraged access to education, even abroad, for his children and citizens

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

  • Welcomed farming and prosperity across his vast lands

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

His impact continues through his descendants and mentees, including our founder, Professor Ike-Elechi Ogba.

What We’ve Done So Far

As the first step in documenting the life and legacy of His Royal Majesty Ogbaekirigwe, the Ike-Elechi Ogba 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, and Mass Communication to begin transforming oral history into written record.

On the first day, participants engaged 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, the second day focused on translating these histories into compelling narratives while preserving factual accuracy.

The workshop produced six original short stories, now being prepared for publication as part of a forthcoming book. These stories form a foundational archive for the Ogbaekirigwe Legacy Project, ensuring that his leadership, values, and cultural influence are preserved for future generations.

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

We are producing a four-part documentary series that will explore:

  1. The Family Legacy – Ogbaekirigwe as a father and mentor

  2. Leadership and Service – His vision for governance and development

  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 is also the first step toward establishing a virtual and physical Igbo 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