By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Senator representing the Anambra South senatorial district, Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu, has felicitated with His Royal Highness Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu (Igwe Orizu III) of Nnewi as he marks his centenary.
Igwe Orizu, who was born on 30 October 1925, is one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in the country.
Senator Nwachukwu, while speaking with this reporter on Thursday, conveyed his warmest congratulations and commended Igwe Orizu for a lifetime of exemplary leadership and selfless service to humanity. He described the monarch as a rare royal jewel and a unifying figure whose reign of over six decades has anchored and fueled peace and prosperity both in the Nnewi kingdom and beyond.
According to him, Igwe Orizu’s foresight in pushing for the industrialisation and commercial growth of Nnewi, the automobile hub of Nigeria, has paid dividends, turning the town into one of country’s most dynamic economic centres. He lauded the Igwe’s efforts in attracting investment, encouraging entrepreneurship and making Nnewi a place where residents can live, work and thrive, describing that as a great pride to Ndị Anambra South, and the State at large.
Senator Nwachukwu also noted that the monarch’s centenary celebration is not merely about marking 100 years of life, but honouring a legacy of service, humility and transformation.
The Anambra South Senator further pointed out that Igwe Orizu’s role as a cultural custodian has helped preserve Igbo heritage while adapting to modern realities, thereby bridging tradition and progress.
While wishing the monarch stronger health and longer life, he harped on the need for people, especially the youths, to tap from the rich wisdom and knowledge of such a great asset and celebrated elder statesman, as well as emulate the monarch’s life of integrity and dedication, for a great society.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that His Royal Highness Igwe Orizu, who ascended to the throne in 1963 as the 20th Obi of Otolo and Igwe of Nnewi, has guided his people through war, rebuilding and economic revival. He is also the traditional supreme ruler and spiritual leader in Nnewi.
Revered as on of the longest-serving kings in the world, he is also a member of the Nnofo Royal Lineage and the successor to his father, Igwe Josiah Orizu II, his grandfather Igwe Orizu I, and great-grandfather Igwe Iwuchukwu Ezeifekaibeya. His Uncle, Prince Nwafor Orizu was Nigeria’s first republic Senate President, while his grandfather, Igwe Orizu I (Eze Ugbonyamba) was the first Igbo man to own and drive a car in the entire Eastern Region.
Among other outstanding legacies, Igwe Kenneth Orizu was the first Nigerian king to abolish the Osu caste system, thus making everyone in the province of Nnewi free born.
On his centenary celebration, the monarch will be feted by sons and daughters of Nnewi, dignitaries, business leaders and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond, a fitting tribute to a royal father who has upheld unity, peace and progress throughout his reign.
