Nnewi celebrates Igwe Orizu III at 100
By Andrew Udeh
Igwe Orizu III at 100 years of age and 62 years on the throne as Igwe Nnewi. The commercial and industrial hub Southeast Nigeria, his longevity, to a certain degree, within world history, makes him the first patriarch to witness centenary celebration in a grand style. The story of his life and times had been in electronic and print media, circulating widely in national and international audience. Needless repeating the details of features here because of space limitation. But let’s move ahead. Igwe KON Orizu is a man of many facets. Although he was born and raised in a royal family, he never relaxed his mind doing nothing. Chief Michael Kafundu Chukwudifu Ajuluchukwu of blessed memory had him employed at Outlook Publishing Company Limited.
He was working there until his father, Josiah Orizu II, Obi Nnewi, bows out of traditional stool and Igwe Kenneth Orizu was born in October 1925, his entry into the covered traditional stool was greeted with mixed feelings, of which the minority group or call them the leftist were skeptical of his ability to rule Nnewi people. They also flew a negative kite, contending in words about his academic qualification. But the majority group led by MCK Ajuluchukwu Ochiagha Nnewi, refused to succumb to such un-hereditary postulation. There are positions one can bravingly overcome and outsmart but not ancient stool of Nnewi town, at least for the sake of monarchial practice.
After his coronation in 1963, Kenneth Onyeneke Nnaji Orizu began a journey he never knew how it will end. He was respected and honored by some, while insignificant few treated him as ordinary King. But the desire to make a positive change as shown in his assiduous approach to Nnewi business men abroad, was heartwarming. He went to them appealing for home establishment, a think home philosophy that would help people employed and see the town prosper. He would prefer their prospect than exhibition of unnecessary ego and pride as king of Nnewi town when virtually everybody was afraid to enter Agbo Forest due to deadly animals and reptiles, Igwe Orizu walked in courageously with marchet and declared it open. That place today is one of the most lucrative motor and motorcycle spare parts market in West Africa. The industries like Ibeto, Innoson, Jimex, Omata, Chicason, Cutix, John White, GOD Tubes and Tyres, Tummy Tummy, Jolly Jolly Noodles, Chattered Aluminum, First Express Aluminum, Isaho Piston & Rings, Louis Carter, OTC cables and so on, all sprung up. Would not have been in existence if not Igwe Orizu’s determination and commitment.
Some were given land at reduced cost, just to make sure that they established their industries within Nnewi territory. No wonder, Ibrahim Babangada. Then The Military President of Nigeria, on official visit to Nnewi in 1986 branded the town Japan of Africa. Indeed, there is no town in Igbo land whose citizens are as hardworking and prosperous as Nnewi people, they are not only serious adventurers but also great commercial risk takers. They are not only everywhere in major business capitals in Nigeria but occupied juicy positions in European and Western market. These exploits were as a result of advice and blessings from Igwe KON Orizu III.
Between 1996 to 2022, Nnewi was thrown into disorder by multiple interest group fighting for Nnewi business soul. There was also an emerging hot argument on whether the Monarch would be “Obi” or “Igwe Nnewi”. The pressure was too much on Nzuko-ora executive, prompting their visit to the Monarch Royal Palace Otolo Nnewi. Here is a man with perfect peace of mind, strong in faith in God, and hop in God. The courageous words of King David to his son, Solomon in 1 Chronicles 22 verses 12 to 13 might have guided Igwe Orizu. “May the Lord your God be with your insight and wisdom, so that you may govern Israel (Nnewi) if you obey all the laws which the Lord gave to Moses for Israel, you will be successful. Be determined and confident and don’t let anything make you afraid.”
Igwe KON Orizu was driven to Nzuko-ora meeting venue at Nnewi Youth League hall, where he asked the people one question three times; “if I relinquish Obi title, will it bring peace to Nnewi, will enduring peace be established in Nnewi town? The people present replied in affirmative. The Monarch joyfully, smiled and accepted to be Igwe Nnewi. This is a king whose grandfather and father answered Obi Nnewi till the end of their reign. And unexpectedly his era gave birth to another appellation, Igwe Nnewi. Yes in a community where there is peace somebody must pay the price. It is also an open truth that for more than 60 years the palace of Igwe KON Orizu III had become center for arbitration as all manner of family and business cases are brought for hearing and judgment delivered.
One need to be around and hear certain humiliation petitions that supposed to be treated quietly at home being brought to the palace. The case of land dispute between the families, brothers, and in-laws have been almost everyday discussion. Yet Igwe KON Orizu with his native intelligence and wisdom, had to tread, treat and deal with the cases satisfactorily. He is a Christian Monarch, not necessarily a religious person. He believes and demonstrates his Christianity for people to see and applaud. He is an active member of Saint Thomas Anglican Church Otolo Nnewi, and Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, of which his palace is a chapter of the Christian body. He had been to Jerusalem pilgrimage more than six times, climbed the mountain Sinai without any external aide.
He is a recipient of national and international awards and honors from the Federal and State Government Commander of Nigeria (CON). He is the Former Chairman of Anambra state traditional rulers council and life Patrol till date.
He has widely travelled to towns, cities, states, nations etc. He has built relationships with the Northern and South western Kings and Monarchs, emirs, Obas and other ancient kings. His humility, kindness, sincerity of purpose, frankness and freedom from prejudice made Nnewi billionaires to build and rebuild his royal palace, thereby making one of the most beautiful palace arenas, sumptuously finished to World standard.
These and more are reasons we are celebrating. We are celebrating victory against the critics and cynics of his emergence as the monarch of Nnewi. We are celebrating his longevity because many who participated in the battle had departed this world. We are celebrating with enthusiasm Igwe Orizu’s gritty effort in ensuring that Nnewi became an industrial haven. We are celebrating an atmosphere of peace, dug and established by a wise king. We are celebrating knowledge instead of ignorance, we are celebrating a guaranteed future, not balkanised yesteryears. We are celebrating Nnewi entity, not autonomous communities.
Indeed, we are celebrating a special gift not only to Nnewi people, but humanity in general. We are in happy mood, and to the glory of God who made it possible. Let the world join us!.
