The Rare Picture of HRH Justina Okuakeleke Ntorka, the Last Omu of Onicha-Olona

 The Rare Picture of HRH Justina Okuakeleke Ntorka, the Last Omu of Onicha-Olona

From the Pen Master Archives

Here is a rare picture of HRH Justina Okuakeleke Ntorka, the last Omu of Onicha-Olona, a woman whose name remains etched in the history and memory of the community.

Born Justina Monyei, she ceased to be known by that name following her coronation as the Omu of Onicha-Olona, assuming the royal identity and responsibilities that came with the revered stool.

Historically, Omu Ntorka succeeded HRH Ada Ifesimehone Amambiwemdi-Okoh, one of the most remembered Omus in the modern history of Onicha-Olona. Born in 1906 at Idumugbe, Ogbe-Obi, Omu Amambiwemdi-Okoh occupies a special place in the community's history, particularly for the role attributed to her during the Nigerian Civil War, an episode preserved not only in historical accounts but also in the enduring oral traditions and legends of the people.

With the planned installation of Cynthia Nwamaka Jibunoh, the recent history of the Omu stool will be marked by three remarkable women: Amambiwemdi-Okoh, Ntorka and Jibunoh.

Yet, despite the significance of her reign, not many people outside Onicha-Olona have had the opportunity to see the face of Omu Justina Ntorka, the community's last Omu.

Today, Pen Master brings that rare piece of history to light.

A photograph, yes but also a window into the memory of a community, a royal institution, and a remarkable woman whose place in the story of Onicha-Olona deserves to be remembered.

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