Igbo Traditional Ruler: Obi of Onitsha.

Onitsha is a town in South East Nigeria famed for its commerce, education and religious center that lies beside the Niger.

The Obi of Onitsha is the traditional leader of Onitsha, Anambra State, southeast Nigeria. The post of the Obi is recognized by the state and federal government of Nigeria, and the Obi is seen as a representative of the people of Onitsha to the state and federal levels of government. The current Obi is His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe.

He is the twenty-first in a dynasty that has thrived for more than four hundred years with successful predecessors. He is a direct and unblemished descendant of Ezearoli, through the lineage of Chimedie, Oreze Obi, and Aguzani. He was crowned Obi of Onitsha on the 14th may 2002 (the 21st Obi of Onitsha).

He occupies an important position among the people of Onitsha and he is personally associated with the conduct of essential aspects of Onitsha local affairs.

The semi-divine or spiritual nature of the Obi is expressed in how his subjects address him. He is addressed as ‘Igwe’ or ‘Sky’. The other terms used are ‘Agbogidi'(All Powerful), ‘Enyi'(Elephant) and ‘Agu'(Leopard). He is also greeted as ‘Nkpu'(Ant-hill), for just as ant-hill has many openings so the king has many eyes, being aware of whatever happens in the town.

Being semi-divine, he is the embodiment of the spirit of the ancestral god. Traditionally, he confines himself to his house.

This confinement sets the stage for one of the most cherished events in Onitsha- The Ofala Festival. Historically, it is the only occasion that the Obi presents himself publicly to his subjects. It is also the occasion for Obi’s subjects to pay or reaffirm their allegiance to the monarch. Leaders of every clan, including Ndichie(Red Cap Chiefs), Agbalanze(Ozo title holders) and other participants, decorated in regalia and accompanied by special musical groups, converge at the Obi’s palace annually for this joyous event. This festival attracts monarchs and spectators from other parts of Nigeria.

His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe  is married to Lolo Chinwe Ngozi Achebe and blessed with six children.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Stanford University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Columbia University.

He served as Shell Petroleum Development Company Director. In 2015 he became the Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

He is the Chairman of Intafact Beverages Ltd. and an Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Unilever Nigeria Plc. He is also on the board of Omak Petroleum Services. In the past he was Chairman at Universal Insurance Co. Plc and Chairman of Diamond Bank Plc.

He has traveled and lectured widely, including universities and professional organizations, and featured on international electronic and in print media, including CNN, BBC and Reuters.

He is a deep art lover and collects artworks from renowned artists all over the world. He has a personal gallery at his palace which tourists and well meaning visitors are allowed to access.