The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has described the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, as a monarch blessed with God’s special grace, whose reign has brought honour, development, peace and prosperity to Nnewi, Anambra State, the Igbo nation and Nigeria at large.
In a goodwill message issued to celebrate the monarch’s 101st birthday, the Speaker, on behalf of the State Legislature, noted that Igwe Orizu remains a highly revered traditional ruler whose remarkable longevity and sound memory at over 100 years reflect exceptional divine grace.
In a press release signed by Emma Madu, Press Secretary to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeze recalled the monarch’s remarkable feat during a Christian pilgrimage to Israel in 2009, when he climbed Mount Sinai at the age of 84, to the amazement of fellow pilgrims from different parts of the world.
He described the Nnewi monarch as a source of pride to Anambra State and a worthy custodian of the people’s culture, customs and traditions.
The Speaker also called on the Federal Government to immortalise Igwe Kenneth Orizu III by naming a prominent public institution after him in recognition of his contributions and enduring place in Nigeria’s traditional institution.
He urged Ndigbo to continue to accord the monarch the respect and honour he deserves, while praying God to grant him continued good health and longevity to enable him to sustain his royal responsibilities.
