Hundred Years Of Igwe Kenneth Orizu III Of Nnewi On Earth || The Life And Time Of The Igbo Longest Serving Monarch.

Next Month, the people of Nnewi will gather to celebrate a rare and historic occasion which is the 100th birthday of their royal father and traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III, the 20th Obi of Otolo and Igwe of Nnewi Kingdom. Born on October 30, 1925, Igwe Orizu has ruled for more than six decades, making him one of Nigeria’s and indeed the world’s longest-reigning monarchs.

Since ascending the throne in 1963, Igwe Orizu has guided Nnewi through periods of war, recovery, and growth, shaping it into one of Nigeria’s most industrialized towns. His wisdom, humility, and peaceful leadership have earned him the respect of his people and of many across the country. As he marks his 100th birthday, Nnewi celebrates not only a man but also a legacy of peace, unity, and progress that has defined an entire era.

HRH Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III

His Early Life and Background

Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III was born in Otolo Nnewi, the first and eldest quarter of Nnewi town, into the Nnofo Royal Lineage, a dynasty that has produced generations of respected rulers. His father, Igwe Josiah Orizu II, and grandfather, Igwe Orizu I (Eze Ugbonyamba), both ruled before him. His great-grandfather, Igwe Iwuchukwu Ezeifekaibeya, was also a revered monarch.

Kenneth Orizu grew up at a time when Western education was gaining ground among the Igbo people. He attended Hope Waddell College in Calabar and later completed his studies at New Bethel College, Onitsha in 1942. After school, he worked as a representative of the Eastern Nigerian Outlook Group of newspapers and later became a Commercial Manager in Asaba for the Mid-Western Region. He also established himself as a businessman in Kano, gaining valuable experience in trade and management.

These early years gave him a deep understanding of commerce and human relations, qualities that would later help him guide Nnewi’s transformation into a leading industrial hub.

His Ascension to the Throne

Igwe Nnewi

After the death of his father, Igwe Josiah Orizu II, Kenneth Orizu was crowned the 20th Obi of Otolo and Igwe of Nnewi on June 2, 1963, at the age of 38. His reign officially began on February 6, 1963, ushering in a new era for Nnewi.

At the time of his coronation, the young Igwe was seen as a symbol of hope, he was educated, exposed, and deeply rooted in both tradition and modern thinking. He became not only a cultural leader but also a spiritual guide and visionary who saw the need to modernize his community while protecting its traditions.

His coronation drew leaders and dignitaries from across Eastern Nigeria, including the then Premier, Dr. Michael Okpara, who recognized the young monarch’s promise and leadership potential.

Rebuilding Nnewi After the Civil War

The Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970 brought great hardship to Nnewi and the entire Igbo communities. Businesses were destroyed, families displaced, and trade disrupted. When peace returned, Igwe Orizu led his people in rebuilding their lives and their economy.

He provided moral direction, encouraged displaced traders to return, and supported those who lost everything to start again. One of his most visionary acts during this time was the relocation of Nnewi’s central market to the Edo forest during the war. The area had once been a sacred forest dedicated to Edo  deity, but it became a safe haven for traders because of its thick cover.

Under his guidance, the once temporary market site grew into what is now the Nnewi Main Market (Agbo Edo), one of the largest and busiest trading centers in Nigeria and Africa. What began as a wartime survival move became the heart of Nnewi’s commercial strength.

This act of foresight and courage laid the foundation for the industrial and trading culture that defines Nnewi today.

Champion of Industrialization and Economic Growth

As Nnewi recovered from the war, Igwe Orizu saw the need to build an economy based on self-reliance. He encouraged local entrepreneurs to move from trading to manufacturing. His reign witnessed the birth of industries that changed the face of Nnewi.

Small workshops that produced motorcycle and vehicle parts began to grow into major factories. It was during his reign that Nnewi became home to notable companies such as Innoson Group, Ibeto Group, Cutix Plc, and many others. These businesses helped turn Nnewi into one of the most industrialized towns in Nigeria.

The Igwe’s support for the famous Nnewi Apprenticeship System also ensured that young people learned business and production skills. Many who passed through this system went on to become business owners and employers of labor across Nigeria.

His leadership created a peaceful and organized environment where innovation could thrive. Because of him, Nnewi became known as the “Japan of Africa”, a title earned through creativity, industry, and the spirit of self-help that his reign inspired.

Cultural Transformation and Peace Building

Igwe Kenneth Orizu III is widely respected for his efforts to promote peace and equality in Nnewi. One of his most remarkable achievements was abolishing the Osu caste system, making everyone in Nnewi a freeborn. This bold decision united the community and reinforced the value of human dignity.

He also discouraged extravagant spending during traditional marriages and funerals, seeing it as wasteful. Instead, he encouraged moderation and responsible celebration.

Throughout his reign, the Igwe has acted as a father figure and mediator. When political tension once threatened to divide the town, he invited the community to choose a title for him as a symbol of peace. The people named him the “General of Peace.” This gesture brought calm and strengthened unity.

Today, Nnewi remains one of the most peaceful towns in Anambra State, thanks to his commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and fairness.

His Contributions to Education, Health, and Infrastructure

Education and social development have been major focuses of Igwe Orizu’s reign. He played a key role in establishing a Teachers’ Training College in Nnewi, which later became part of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. He also encouraged the siting of the College of Health Sciences (Nnewi Campus) of the same university by mobilizing the community to contribute land and funds thereby donating much of his own land for the project.

Under his leadership, schools such as Okongwu Memorial Grammar School, Nnewi High School, and Maria Regina Girls’ Secondary School flourished.

In healthcare, Igwe Orizu supported the development of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), now one of the leading teaching hospitals in Nigeria. He also promoted rural electrification, pipe-borne water projects, and the modernization of the local postal service.

His leadership encouraged philanthropists and community associations to build hospitals, markets, and public facilities, further improving the quality of life for his people.

A Symbol of Modern Royalty and Service

Beyond Nnewi, Igwe Orizu has represented his town with dignity and wisdom. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the Anambra State House of Chiefs and is recognized nationally for his leadership and service. He is a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.

He is known for his humility, simplicity, and openness. His palace has always been open to everyone both rich or poor, old or young. Many describe him as a man with a large heart, who listens carefully and leads with kindness.

The Igwe’s family also continues his legacy of service. His heir apparent, Crown Prince Obianefo Orizu, represents the continuity of the royal house and the values that have defined the Nnofo lineage for centuries.

Crown Prince Orizu

Legacy at 100: The Father of Modern Nnewi

As Igwe Kenneth Orizu III turns 100, his story stands as a living history of Nnewi’s transformation. From a quiet pre-war town to a powerful industrial center, Nnewi’s success is deeply tied to his leadership.

He has ruled with humility and wisdom, balancing Christianity with traditional spirituality, modernization with cultural pride, and unity with progress. His reign has been one of peace, reconciliation, and steady development, a model for leadership across Africa.

For the people of Nnewi, this centenary is more than a birthday celebration. It is a tribute to a man who has guided his community with love, protected its heritage, and built a legacy that will live for generations.

As drums sound and prayers rise in celebration, the town of Nnewi honors its beloved monarch, Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III, who is a true symbol of unity, peace, and progress in Nigeria.

Conclusion

As Nnewi prepares to celebrate the 100th birthday of Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III, the town also celebrates a century of wisdom, humility, and progress. His reign has been more than leadership, it has been a living example of peace, unity, and service. From rebuilding after the civil war to inspiring generations of industrialists, the Igwe’s influence is deeply woven into every part of Nnewi’s growth story.

He has guided his people with patience and vision, balancing tradition with modern development. For many, Igwe Orizu represents what true leadership means leading with love, fairness, and integrity. As he marks this rare milestone, the celebration is not only about his age but about the light he has shone on his people and the example he has set for generations to come. His life remains a blessing to Nnewi, Anambra State, and Nigeria at large.

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