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 a first step, the Foundation hosted a two-day Creative Writing Workshop in collaboration with Ebonyi State University.
On Day One, students from Linguistics, English, and Mass Communication departments listened to oral histories about Ogbaekirigwe’s reign and engaged with artifacts such as royal regalia, musical instruments, and archival photographs.
On Day Two, they transformed these stories into written works, guided by a creative writing coach. The result is six compelling stories, which are now being prepared for publication in a book — a milestone that will add to the documentary’s archival pool and keep the legacy alive in written form.
What’s Next: The Documentary & Museum
We are producing a four-part documentary series that will explore:
The Family Legacy – Ogbaekirigwe as a father and mentor
Leadership and Service – His vision for governance and development
The Royal Palace – A cultural tour of regalia, artifacts, and traditions
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