From Ijeoma John, Nnewi
It was an atmosphere of celebration in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State as the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Igwe Dr Kenneth Orizu lll celebrated his 100th birthday and 62 years on the throne of Nnewi kingdom.
The grand event, which was held at the Igwe’s palace on Sunday, December 28, 2025 had in attendance men and women of timber and calibre.Among them were: the Labour Party (LP) 2023 Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, Chairman Ibeto Group, Dr Cletus Ibeto(Omekannaya), Chairman Chicason Group, Chief Dr Alexander Chika Okafor (Eze Nwachinaemelu Nnewi), Chairman Loius Carter Group , Chief Sir Louis Onwugbenu (Okpata Ozuora Nnewi), Chief Executive Officer of Middle Point, Chief Obijiaku, the Chairman of Denva Services, Chief Dennis Okafor, Chairman Ngobros Group, Chief Humphrey Ngonadi, the Honourable Commissioner for Industry in Anambra State, Hon. Christian Udechukwu, Former Federal Commissioner, Public Complaint Commission, Prince Samben Nwosu, Major General Tabugbo Udeh, Chief Ben. Etiaba, Chief Emeka Etiaba (SAN) and other dignitaries.
As this year’s Ofala festival was tagged “Centenary Ofala’, a lot of activities were put together to make it memorable, including, commissioning of Palace Hall built by Dr Cletus Ibeto, conferring titles to deserving individuals, launching of book, and several cultural displays.
The Igwe being the longest serving Monarch alive celebrated this year’s Ofala in good health and was seen receiving people from far and near, who came to pay homage and receive royal blessings from him.
The Crown Prince, Dr Obianefo Charles Orizu (Obinechendo) in his address said hundred years of existence and sixty-two years of mounting the throne were both historical in the life of any kingdom, adding that Nnewi community is blessed to celebrate this great milestone.
He said the Igwe has become a symbol of stability, source of wisdom and inspiration from where everyone draws from.
“Igwe is no doubt an institutional figure that has served to guarantee peace across borders in the ancient kingdom of Nnewi.
“Therefore, Igwe Kenneth Orizu lll has bridged what would have become a generational gap between different generations in Nnewi. All these have turned out a great advantage to Nnewi people” he disclosed.
On the same note, Chief Dr Alexander Chika Okafor described the Igwe as a silent achiever and a visionary leader of impeccable character.
“From childhood, Igwe Kenneth Orizu lll has carved a niche for himself and set himself as one with a clear sense of mission and passion to deliver on his God-ordained mandate for the people of Nnewi.
“Igwe of Nnewi is not an unknown figure even though he is reserved and gentle by nature.He does not sing his praises and equally does not delight in praise singers.
“He is contented with whom he is and what his God gives to him.He is a practicing and God-fearing Christian who practices what he preaches” he noted.
In appreciation, one of the deserving individuals conferred with title, Chief Dr Sir Wilson Onyeka,who was conferred with the title “Igirigindu Nnewi” thanked God Almighty for the recognition by His Royal Highness Igwe Kenneth Orizu lll and Nnewi Community for all the examplary work he has done for the community.
He described the longest serving Monarch as a simple and generous man with good humour.
“The fact he has lived so long is a testament to him not being stressed by anything.I encourage others to emulate him because our Igwe does not have many enemies.He treats everyone as his own.I have had a long standing relationship with him” he said.