By: Ijeoma Sandra, Nnewi.

There 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 III, celebrated his 100th birthday and 62 years on the throne of the 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, Louis Carter Group, Chief Sir Louis Onwugbenu (Okpata Ozuora Nnewi); Chairman, Ngobros Group, Prince Humphrey Ngonadi; the Honourable Commissioner for Industry in Anambra State, Hon. Christian Udechukwu; former Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints 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 the commissioning of the Palace Hall built by Dr Cletus Ibeto, the conferring of titles on deserving individuals, the launching of a 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 100 years of existence and 62 years on the throne were both historic in the life of any kingdom, adding that the Nnewi community is blessed to celebrate such a great milestone.

He said the Igwe has become a symbol of stability, a source of wisdom, and an inspiration from whom everyone draws.

“Igwe is no doubt an institutional figure who has served to guarantee peace across borders in the ancient kingdom of Nnewi.

“Therefore, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III has bridged what would have become a generational gap between different generations in Nnewi. All these have turned out to be a great advantage to the Nnewi people,” he disclosed.

In the same vein, Chief Dr Alexander Chika Okafor described the Igwe as a silent achiever and a visionary leader of impeccable character.

“From childhood, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III has carved a niche for himself and set himself apart as one with a clear sense of mission and passion to deliver on his God-ordained mandate for the people of Nnewi.

“The 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 content with who he is and what God gives to him. He is a practising and God-fearing Christian who practises what he preaches,” he noted.

In appreciation, one of the individuals conferred with a title, Chief Dr Sir Wilson Onyeka, who received the title “Igirigindu Nnewi,” thanked God Almighty for the recognition by His Royal Highness Igwe Kenneth Orizu III and the Nnewi community for all the exemplary work he has done for the community.

He described the longest-serving monarch as a simple and generous man with a good sense of humour.

“The fact that 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.