It took me almost two years to complete Otigba---Renowned sculptor Chris Afuba speaks

 

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*Chris Afuba, sculptor of Otigba

By Fred Iwenjora

Internationally renowned sculptor Chris Afuba whose monumental sculpture work Otigba was recently burnt by an irate mob who were pretending to be part of the endsars protest in Enugu has opened up on what he considers “a sad development in our history”.

In a chat with ECD, Afuba a founding member of the famous AKA group of exhibiting artists with local and international experience said he had "not seen the Otigba since it was burnt but I will do so when tensions cool down in Enugu and free movement is guaranteed.

“But I must try to go and see what happened to the project which took me almost two years to complete. It is indeed lamentable that some people do not understand the importance of development and preservation of our arts and monuments for our country.

"I believe the burning of Otigba must have been done out of ignorance”.

History of Otigba

Afuba told of how he has always been fascinated by magnificent works since his early years as an arts student of the Institute of Management and Technology “IMT” Enugu.

Otigba according to him was his graduating project and was inspired by Nne Igba, a dance music cultural troupe in Nimo,  Anambra state, his home town.

“The work was standing at the IMT sculpture Garden like many of such works when one of the Military Governors of old Anambra state whom I may not recall now initiated a policy to move some of them into the streets for aesthetic beautification”

That was how Otigba became an instant symbol at New Haven/ Ogui Road roundabout of the Coal city and one of Enugu’s most celebrated monuments.

However, all is not lost on the Otigba as Afuba heartily announced that "if given the opportunity, I will put Otigba together again"