Igwe Nnewi Buries First Wife; Lọọlọ Catherine Nwazụnafịa Orizu.

Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, the oldest and longest serving Monarch in Africa and arguably one of the oldest tribal leaders in the world, lost his first wife, Lọọlọ Catherine Orizu, around April 2024.

On the 23rd of October, 2024, Igwe Nnewi laid his beautiful wife to rest. This burial lasted for 4 days, running from the 23rd of October to the 26th and rounded up with Thankgiving mass on Sunday, being 27th October.

As the oldest and longest serving Monarch, the King welcomed a bee hive of guests during the course of the burial. On the first day, the road leading to the Igwe Palace was filled to the brim with cars and buses conveying men of different calibre who came to pay their condolences.

St. Thomas Anglican Church, Ogbe Obiuno, anchored the liturgical celebration for the deceased.

Traditional Rulers of different communities from all over the East and beyond ,visited.

Political representatives of different constituencies in Nnewi was there.

The owners of big industries in the country were not left out. The CEO of Innoson Group, Chief Innoson Chukwuma graced the occasion in the accompaniment of his Chief of communications, Mr Cornel Osigwe.

A massive number of groups, associations, clubs, church societies, Age grades, Companies etc came fully represented and wielding gifts as a mark of condolence to the family.

The number of cows received by the Royal family from visitors were more than 20.

All of these showed how much popularity and value, Igwe Nnewi has amassed over the years due to his diligence in ruling and so many other great qualities embedded in him.

So many cultural displays went on during the burial to entertain people. Dance troupes, masquerade performances, theatrics from youths, Women singing groups etc.

Professor Onye Egwu (the king of Highlife), a talented Nnewi Musician, who has gone viral from his previous hit tracks, was present with his group and did a live performance.

As it is known, the home of a king is the home for all, so every single person who came for the burial, from highest to lowest had enough to eat and drink.

The subsequent days of the burial, the Palace kept on receiving visitors till it was over.

It was indeed a colourful and memorable way to send a Queen home!

May the soul of our Queen Mother, Lọọlọ Catherine Nwazụnafịa Orizu(Ifediezemma) and the souls of all the faithful Departed, through the mercy of God rest in Peace. Amen.