Nnewi Comes Alive as Igwe K.O.N. Orizu III Marks 100th Birthday, 62 Years on the Throne

By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja

Nnewi, the renowned industrial hub of Anambra State, was filled with excitement and festivities as the community celebrated the 100th birthday and 62nd coronation anniversary of its traditional ruler, Igwe K.O.N. Orizu III.
Prince Orji Nwafor Orizu, Principal Partner at Chinenye Chambers, a law firm based in Abuja and Nnewi, extolled the monarch for his remarkable stewardship of the ancient kingdom, attributing the sustained peace, orderliness and respect for the rule of law in Nnewi to his leadership.

Describing Igwe K.O.N. Orizu III as an exceptional figure, Prince Orizu highlighted the monarch’s landmark achievements, including the abolition of the Osu caste system, the promotion of education and healthcare, and the encouragement of economic expansion in the community.
He noted that the Igwe’s 62-year reign has been characterised by peace and progress, adding that the monarch played a key role in attracting traders to establish markets in Nnewi and in laying the foundation for the town’s industrial growth.
Prince Orizu further praised the traditional ruler for facilitating the establishment of a teaching hospital in Nnewi, with the community making significant financial and material contributions to the project.
According to him, Igwe K.O.N. Orizu III is widely admired for his love for truth, justice and courage, qualities that earned him the sobriquet “Igwe Na Eje Uka” (the King Who Goes to Church).
He explained that the monarch ensured the total eradication of discriminatory practices such as “ohu” (slave) and “osu” (outcast), thereby affirming the status of all Nnewi indigenes as free-born citizens.
Prince Nwafor-Orizu also commended Chief Cletus Ibeto for renovating the royal palace and upgrading it to modern standards.
The celebration underscored the Igwe’s immense contribution to Nnewi’s growth and development, with participants applauding his unwavering commitment to peace and communal advancement.
Igwe K.O.N. Orizu III’s influence, it was noted, goes beyond Nnewi, contributing significantly to the pride of Anambra State, Igbo land and Nigeria as a whole.
His devotion to Christianity and selfless service to humanity have earned him deep respect and affection from both God and the people.
The event was also a celebration of Nnewi’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring relevance of the Igwe’s leadership.
Tributes poured in from fellow traditional rulers, political leaders and citizens across the country, all commending his wisdom, humility and gentle style of leadership.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo congratulated the monarch, acknowledging his immense contributions to the development of Nnewi, Anambra State and Nigeria, which, he said, go far beyond ceremonial roles.
The Igwe’s national honour as a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), as well as his appointment as a Justice of the Peace (JP), further reflect the high regard in which he is held nationwide.
Overall, the celebration stood as a tribute to Igwe K.O.N. Orizu III’s lifelong dedication to peace, progress and community development, with the Nnewi people applauding his role in fostering unity and social harmony.
His legacy, many noted, will continue to inspire generations, as the grand celebration brought together dignitaries and residents to honour a revered monarch whose impact on Nnewi remains profound and enduring.