The 14th Eze (King) of Nri Community in Anambra, warned some intruding colonial masters that “We can take your education but our culture cannot be compromised.”
This was disclosed at the weekend in Nri, Anaocha local government area of Anambra, by Prof.Ben Egwuatu Okolo, the grandson of Eze Obalike I of Nri, when the statue of of his grandfather was unveiled at Nri.
The unveiling of the statue attracted historians, archeologists and indigenes of Nri, both at home and in the diaspora.
The statue was erected by the community to commemorate Obalike’s wide contributions to the sustenance of the unique history and cultural heritage of his people. 
According to Okolo, although Eze Nri Obalike was forced by the colonial masters to break an ancient law that prohibits Eze Nri from leaving his palace, the people of Nri remained resilient in the face of adversity and are proud of their remarkable history.
He appreciated the pictures and materials due to the diligence of Prof. Paul Basu on Northcote Whitebridge Thomas tour, who aided members of the royal family to sponsor the memorial of a wise king who did all he could to preserve the cultural heritage of Nri.
Our Correspondent at the event, said the statue was unveiled amidst huge celebration by the people.
In his message, Prof. Basu of the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, whose address was read by Chukwudi Obalike, revealed that it has been thrilling to learn about Nri’s unique history and its culture.
He described Nri people and their culture as resilient and as such honouring a King who served in troubled times reminds him of the resilient spirit in the face of adversity that the statue commemorates.
Performing the unveiling ceremony, the Regent of Nri, Prince Ikenna Onyesoh, acknowledged that the statue reminds the community members of their history, asking them to keep adhering to the ideology of Nri dynasty, widely known for peace and good humanity.
Elated women and youths of the community, led by a chieftain in the town, Chief Edwin Nweri, thanked the initiator of the event as they took time to visit and admire the statue.
Speaking earlier while welcoming people to the event, the Chairman of the occasion and Emeritus Chief Judge of Anambra State, Prof. Peter Umeadi, appreciated Prof. Angulu Onwuejeogwu of Anthropology Department at University of Benin, for collating many previous works on Nri Kingdom.
And to Prof. Basu of the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, he thanked for unearthing the pioneering anthropological works by the British Government Anthropologist, Northcote Whitebridge Thomas, on the roles Eze Obalike played in the survival and continuation of the legacies of Nri civilization.
Eze Obalike ruled from 1889 to 1936..pls see the copy I forwarded to my office see if makes meaning to u as u work
