Greatness is an attribute that has been in retreat in our contemporary society but it is a quality that is needed if any society must make progress.
For Igwe Kenneth Orizu (III), he has displayed all the attributes of greatness by his depth of character in the 48 years of his being on the throne of the ancient Kingdom of Nnewi. He has remained unswayed by material attractions and superficial rewards especially of the sort that are being flaunted by persons of lesser pedigree.
Nnewi is the second largest town in Anambra state in south eastern Nigeria. It comprises four autonomous villages Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewi-Ichi. Despite its large size, this famous community is rather known for other of its unique characteristics such as the business acumen of the people who call it home, its many industries and yes, its Ofala Nnewi festival.
The Ofala Nnewi is a cultural festival held every year to celebrate the coronation of the Igwe of Nnewi, the people come to pay homage to the Igwe and thank God for a successful year.
Legend has it that the festival dates back to time immemorial. Due to its significance, thousands of sons and daughters of Nnewi, both at home and in the Diaspora return home each year to join their Igwe in celebration.
It marks the climax of the new yam festival, which, for many indigenes and friends of Nnewi, is a good opportunity for family re-unions and merry making in the community.
The Igwe also uses the festival and traditional outing to felicitate with his subjects and rejoices with them for not losing anyone in death after the New Yam festival. It is also a period when His Royal Highness, Igwe Orizu (III), honours distinguished sons and daughters of Nnewi at the his palace.
The 2011 Ofala which took place from December 28th to 29th is significant in many ways as it heralds the Igwe’s 48th year on the throne and his 86th birthday.
Without doubt, having been on the throne for 48 years, Igwe Orizu’s reign makes him the longest serving traditional ruler in the country.
Among prominent individuals that came to the Ofala were the Anambra state Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, who came in company of his wife, Margret, and daughter, Amaka;? the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, his wife, and the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Princess Chinwe Nwebili.
Other dignitaries were traditional rulers from all over the country, the clergy and business magnets including corporate organisations like the MTN and Nigerian Breweries who had stands at the palace grounds.
Peter Obi in a message at the occasion, said that the peaceful reign of Igwe Orizu (III) has encouraged the growth of Nnewi and made her a commercial and industrial hub in West Africa.
Obi said, “It is gratifying to celebrate a fruitful life. It is even more satisfying when one is celebrated by the people among whom one lives and to whom one has rendered service. By this celebration therefore your people are simple demonstrating that they are pleased with.
Speaking on the significance of the event, the National Chairman of APGA Chief Victor Umeh stated that Ofala festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ndi-Igbo.
Also, the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Princess Chinwe Nwebili, in her comments, said that the event has de-mystified the notion that Ndi-Igbo have no king.
It is reported that soon after the Nigeria Civil War, the Nnewi Development Committee was formed for the planning and development of the central parts of Nnewi. The Igwe and ten others from the Committee were once taken to the High Court by an Nnewi Chief, because they were planning and implementing the development of the town.
Under the Igwe, who was coronated as Orizu III in 1963 following the death of his father Josiah Orizu II, Nnewi gained prominence as West Africa’s biggest spare-parts hub. The town’s main trading centers include Nkwo Nnewi market often indentified as the largest spare parts market in the West African sub-region. There is also the Nwafor and Eke markets.
But the prominence of these markets did not come easily.
It was said that the Igwe went the extra mile to bring development to his people, even at personal risk.
For instance, when Agbo Edo, which belonged to Edo Nnewi deity and thus to all Nnewi people, was to be cleared to provide land for the Nkwo Nnewi market and layout, it was the Igwe Orizu (III) who was said to have courageously set his matchet to the forest. With this ceremonial beginning, the forest was cleared and land obtained.?
This exemplary leadership of Igwe Orizu (III) has been followed in many other parts of Igboland to clear many forests belonging to various deities and the wheel of development has continued to turn.
Nnewi is today referred to as the Japan of Africa.
On the monarch’s ability to promote development without endangering ancient tradition the Igwe is said to believe and live in progress and modernization while preserving the essential fabrics of the Nnewi culture, custom and tradition.
He is thus seen as a steadfast man in the middle of changes.