The ancient town of Nnewi in Anambra State was agog with celebration as its revered monarch, His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth O.N. Orizu III, marked a monumental double milestone. The event, held on December 28, 2025, celebrated the Igwe's centenary birthday and his 62nd year on the Nnewi ancient throne.
A Celebration of Royalty and Service
The historic occasion was marked by the annual Ofala festival, which featured thrilling cultural displays, homages, and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished sons of Nnewi. The event attracted a constellation of dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, including Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential flag bearer in the 2023 elections.
Other notable guests included the President of the Nnewi Improvement Union, King Madi of Uganda, and Princess I Sithabile of Mali. The festivities commenced with a church service jointly presided over by the Anglican Bishop, Right Reverend Obi, and the Archbishop of New Covenant Of God Mission, Nnewi, Right Reverend Emma-David Okafoagu.
Honouring Prominent Sons
A highlight of the celebration was the conferment of chieftaincy titles by Igwe Orizu III. Among the prominent individuals honoured was High Chief Royal Ifechukwu Asianya, the Chief Executive Officer of Royal C. Investment Limited and the Onowu Ndigbo na Isolo, Lagos.
Chief Asianya was bestowed with the title ‘Mmilinezolu ora Nnewi’. In his appreciation speech, he expressed profound gratitude to God, the monarch, and the Nnewi Royal Cabinet. He described the honour as a call to greater duty, stating, “I believe that this honor is a call to duty and I am always at the service of the palace and my people.”
Cultural Extravaganza and Royal Blessings
The ceremony at the Igwe's palace was a vibrant display of Nnewi's rich heritage. The event featured various cultural dance groups and masquerades, including the famed and revered ‘Ajofia’ masquerade of Nnewi, thrilling the audience with its awe-inspiring presence.
In his address, Igwe Orizu III prayed for the good health of his subjects, the nation of Nigeria, and all attendees. He urged Nigerians to continue to live in peace and harmony. Following the palace events, Chief Royal Asianya held a grand reception at his home in Ndimgbu, Otolo Nnewi, where he feted friends and well-wishers who travelled to celebrate his new title with him.
The dual celebration successfully blended solemn tradition with joyous festivity, reinforcing the enduring cultural institutions of the Nnewi kingdom under the long and impactful reign of Igwe Kenneth Orizu III.
