The pioneering multi-storey structure in Igbo Ukwu, located in the Aguata local government area of Anambra State, is slated to become an extension of the well-known Igbo Ukwu Museum. This building, erected in 1939, holds the distinction of being the very first storey building in the entire old Aguata Division.
Constructed by the late Chief John Ubabukoh, who once served as the President of the Customary Court in Aguata, the house is an eight-bedroom edifice with two grand sitting rooms and adjoining balconies. Its architecture continues to draw attention for its distinct style. The staircase, windows, and even the rooftop deck were made of wood. The furniture, including side and centre tables, was also crafted from wood.
Remarkably, the asbestos roof hasn't leaked since its construction nearly 90 years ago. The walls are built from specially designed bricks that require no paint and still look impressive. This architectural marvel faced significant hurdles during its creation. Chief Okey Ubabuko, the eldest surviving son of John Ubabukoh, recounted the difficulties his father faced.
At the time, colonial authorities prohibited the cutting of trees in the Eastern Region. They aimed to export timber to their home countries. "What our father did was to sneak into the thick forests and hiding in the process to be able to get the kind of wood he needed for the construction of the house. Eventually he was able to see the house through," said Okey Ubabuko, who is now 73.
Apostle Emeka Ubabukor, 86, the oldest member of the Ubabukoh dynasty, shared more about Chief John Ubabukoh. He remembered being a child when his uncle built the house. He described John Ubabukoh as a respected and influential figure in Igbo Ukwu. He was known for his intelligence, boldness, and politeness, playing key roles in church and community development.
John Ubabukoh had two wives, and his first wife was the mother of Ifeanyi Ubabukoh. Following Igbo Ukwu tradition, Ozioma Ubabukoh, Ifeanyi's son, is now the inheritor of the building. Both his father and grandfather have passed away.
Chief John Ubabukoh was instrumental in the very establishment of the Igbo Ukwu Museum itself. He provided crucial information to archaeologists from the United Kingdom, shedding light on Igbo culture. This ultimately led to the museum's creation. Now, Ozioma Ubabukoh, a media consultant and the first grandchild of John Ubabukoh, is spearheading the initiative to make his grandfather's house a new annex to the museum.
Ozioma inherited the house after his father, Ifeanyi Ubabukoh, a respected journalist, passed away in February 2024. His grandfather had died earlier in February 1996 at the age of 92. Both father and grandfather were buried in April. Ozioma's father made a request before his death.
Shortly after Governor Chukwuma Soludo's swearing-in in 2022, Ozioma's father had reminded him that the house would remain his until after his burial. "My father said that as soon as he was buried, the house belongs to me and that I could do what I wanted with it. Although he said I could demolish it if I wanted, he however advised that I should keep it for the sake of the family name and Igbo Ukwu’s name as a monument," Ozioma explained.
After his father's burial, Ozioma spent two years contemplating the house's future. While the idea of demolishing it for a modern structure crossed his mind, he recalled the British tradition of preserving historical monuments. This led him to decide against destroying its original design. He aims instead to renovate and preserve it as a significant cultural landmark.