Julius Okorie
The Onitsha Traditional Council, has condemned in the strongest terms the painting of Professor Ben Enwonwu’s iconic bronze sculpture of The Rt Honourable, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Owelle Osowa Anya, Onicha, at the DMGS roundabout, Onitsha.
In a Press statement released by the Ime-Obi Onitsha traditional council dated January 15, 2025 and signed by the Chief of Staff, Chief Osita Anionwu, the council described the act as a blatant disregard for the artistic and cultural Significance of the Sculpture and respect for Onitsha indigenes.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe council underscored and reminded all who care to listen that “As a revered work of art, the Bronze Sculpture was never intended to be painted. The paint not only damages the metal and alters the artist’s intent, but also undermines the aesthetic value of the piece”, adding that “It is imperative that we preserve the original intent and integrity of this masterpiece.
The council urged relevant authorities to act immediately and restore the statue which has served as one the revered identities of the ancient city of Onitsha over the years to its original state. Experts grounded in the work of art according to the council should be consulted in righting the wrong that has been done.
The acrimonious but unacceptable desecration of the revered statue the council further noted, brings to the fore the need to seek expert input and advice when dealing with cultural, artistic and heritage treasures even as it expressed hope that those in authority will exercise humility and value of expert guidance.
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The council concluded by demanding that the perpetrators of the act take responsibility for their actions and “act expeditiously to restore the sculpture to its former glory.”
Dr. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe who was the first President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, was born on 16th November, 1904. He died on the 11th May 1996 at the age at 91. He had a finger in every pie during his life time, a great orator who was a politician, lawyer, journalist, athlete and statesman.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
