Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism in Anambra State, Mr. Don Onyenji, has congratulated the Ndi-Omenala Agulu Ohumba Community for successfully bringing back their ancestral deity’s artifact, known as 'Haba.' The artifact was taken by the British in 1905 and later returned in 1946 to Nigeria’s National Museum in Lagos.
During a visit to the community’s leaders at his office in Awka, Mr. Onyenji explained that the return of 'Haba' was done according to Nigerian and international laws that govern the ownership of cultural artifacts. He thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his support in making this possible after many years.
The commissioner also emphasized that the government respects traditional religions and does not support using religion—whether Christian or traditional—to cause trouble, commit crimes, or cause disunity in the state.
He shared that the journey of 'Haba' from Agulu, where it was taken in 1905, to England, and back to Nigeria in 1946, is a historical story that should be preserved, documented, and used for research and education.
Mr. Onyenji advised the community custodians to worship the deity respectfully and follow traditional practices carefully, while also respecting other religions in the area. He said that more than the artifact’s return, what is most important is promoting peace, truth, and unity in the community and the state.
The President General of Agulu Community, Chief Oliver Afamefuna, thanked the governor and the commissioner for their efforts in retrieving 'Haba.' He explained that the process to bring back the artifact started long ago but gained momentum during the current government, resulting in the official handover on October 31, 2025.
He added that even though the entire community hasn't officially been notified, they already know the artifact is back. The community has already surveyed the site where 'Haba' will be kept and plans to hold an official ceremony on December 23 and 24, 2025, to mark its return and lay the foundation for a permanent home.
Prince Chigbogu Nwokoyeobata, the Secretary of the community, also congratulated Governor Soludo on his recent electoral victory and prayed for his success in the second term. He called on the government and the public to support efforts to build a proper, lasting home for the deity, as it is now recognized nationally and internationally as an important cultural heritage.
He invited federal officials to visit the site and survey it, and called for support to establish a cultural center at the location, similar to what other states like Osun and Edo have done with their deity artifacts.
The community leaders promised to protect and take good care of the deity so that future generations can benefit from it. The visit ended with the presentation of important documents, including survey plans and the official handover letter from the National Museum, to the commissioner.
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