Igwe Kenneth Orizu III
Royalties from across Africa are among an array of dignitaries expected to converge on Nnewi Kingdom, a major industrial hub of the Southeast zone, as the people celebrate the centenary of their monarch, His Royal Highness Igwe Dr Kenneth Onyeke Orizu III, during the yuletide.
Igwe Orizu is presently considered as the oldest and the longest serving traditional ruler in Africa. He ascended the throne in 1963 and turned a centenarian in October 2025.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Centre of Memories, Enugu, to unveil the drama production, the Chairman of the organising committee of the centenary celebration, Chief Ben Etiaba, said that Nnewi is ready to showcase its industrial, cultural and tourism endowments.
He said that though Nnewi was not new to hosting big events, a centenary celebration “is a special event and a lot of resources has been put into planning the event”, which would last from December 27 to 29.
Etiaba said that the people of Nnewi have every reason to celebrate Igwe Orizu III given that under his reign the community has become “a major beneficiary of inward investment” thereby becoming an industrial hub.
“Every human being that loves good things should join this celebration of Igwe Orizu III,” he said, adding that hundred years of age is no mean attainment.
The organising committee chairman said that prominent monarchs from Uganda, Malawi, South Africa, among other countries were expected to grace the centenary celebration.
He said that the stage drama production titled, ‘King Orizu: The Legacy of Three Kings’ was put together “to tell our stories. If we don’t do it, others will do it for us and in a very bad way”.
The drama written by Oluchi Emeaghara, directed by Ikechukwu Erojikwe with Ifeanyi Eziukwu as producer, features a cast of notable Nollywood actors like Patience Ozokwor(Mama G), Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Obi Okoli, Clemson Cornel Agbogidi, Emeka Uba, Mc Jaghee, among others.
According to the producers, the commemorative drama, was “inspired by events such as the cultural showcase Egwu Onwa, vividly portrays the extraordinary life and legacy of Igwe Orizu III”.
“Through storytelling, folklore dramatizations, traditional dances, and sacred rites, the production celebrates his journey from royal heir to iconic monarch, highlighting his reforms, leadership, and enduring contributions to Nnewi and beyond”.
On its cultural significance, the producers said that it “preserves and revitalizes Igbo heritage in Nnewi, a pre-colonial kingdom renowned for its ancient monarchy dating back to the 15th century.
“It showcases Nnewi’s unique traditions, including the Ofala festival, royal succession, and progressive milestones promoting equality and unity.
“By blending folklore and performance, it reinforces communal values of humility, honesty, and intergenerational knowledge transmission.
“Through storytelling, folklore dramatizations, traditional dances, and sacred rites, the production celebrates his journey from royal heir to iconic monarch, highlighting his reforms, leadership, and enduring contributions to Nnewi and beyond”.
The revered Obi of Otolo and Igwe of Nnewi Kingdom was born on October 30, 1925, and ascended the throne in 1963, becoming Africa’s longest-reigning traditional ruler, “a living embodiment of wisdom, peace, and progress”.
“His centenary draws attention to African traditional governance, inspiring dialogues on heritage preservation amid modernization,” the producers said.
