Bianca Ojukwu Honored with Prestigious Chieftaincy Title by Nigeria’s Longest Serving Monarch
Bianca Ojukwu, widow of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the former Head of State of Biafra, was yesterday honored with the prestigious traditional title of Aka Ekpuchi Onwa by His Royal Highness Igwe Kenneth Orizu III of Nnewi, marking her 10th traditional title in the southeastern region of Nigeria. The ceremony took place in Nnewi, with Igwe Orizu III, the longest-reigning monarch in the country, conferring the title.
Igwe Orizu III, who has served as the traditional ruler of Nnewi since June 2, 1963, was born in 1925 and is celebrating his 100th birthday this year. As the 20th Igwe Nnewi, he holds both spiritual and administrative authority over the Nnewi Kingdom, one of the oldest and most respected monarchies in Eastern Nigeria, with origins dating back to the 15th century, well before European contact. The monarchy follows a patrilineal succession system, and Igwe Orizu III succeeded his late father, HRH Josiah Nnaji Igwe Orizu II.
The event, which was part of the 61st Ofala Festival, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, including governors, senators, business leaders, and cultural figures from across Igboland. The grand celebration featured traditional dances, masquerades, and performances, all underscoring the rich heritage of the Nnewi Kingdom.
Bianca Ojukwu, who has held numerous diplomatic roles, including serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana and Spain, as well as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, currently serves as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
