Popular Nnewi-born industrialist, philanthropist and business mogul, Chief Dr. Cletus Ibeto has pulled down the palace (Ọzọobi) of the Traditional Ruler of Nnewi, H.R.H. Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III, and begun construction of a brand new palace for the revered monarch ahead of his 100th birthday celebration.
This laudable gesture is also accompanied by another donation of a gigantic royal gate for the palace by Chief Ibeto, to replace the current one.
It was gathered that the two projects will be completed in three months time, while works have already commenced at the site and progressing on a high speed.
This was corroborated by a video from the site, currently trending on social media, showing some rubble from the demolished building, and men working on the new project, with the foundation already, and the pegging ongoing.
When contacted, the Chairman of Nnewi Museum Committee and Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndị Igbo (Nnewi Branch), Prince Afam Orizu, confirmed the development in an interview with this reporter, Izunna Okafor, over the week, describing it as a laudable gesture indeed.
He also confirmed the duration of the projects execution as was pledged by the benefactor, affirming that they are expected to be completed in three months time.
According to him, the sponsor, Chief Ibeto, has taken it upon himself to see that Igwe Orizu celebrates his centenary in a brand new palace.
Giving a brief background, Prince Orizu revealed that the old palace was built many decades ago, which, he said, believably was part of the reason for Chief Ibeto’s decision to build a new one, especially as the respected monarch set to mark his 100th birthday and 62nd year on the throne.
According to him, Igwe Orizu will clock 100 years old in few months time, while the actual celebration of the centenary will be on December 28th, alongside his 62nd Ofala/anniversary on the throne as Igwe Nnewi. The grand event, he said, will be a great homecoming for the sons and daughters of Nnewi, whom, he said, would be glad to see some changes and transformations, especially in the look of the palace, which is being facilitated by Chief Ibeto.
Prince Orizu further disclosed that this would not be the first time Chief Ibeto is bringing transformation in the palace, recalling that it was also he (Chief Ibeto) who built the amphitheatre within the palace, about seven years ago, among patriotic gestures he has shown.
He further noted that the Igwe Orizu has already rained his royal blessings on him, while also praying for him to also live long and healthy.
Igwe Orizu III, who was born in 1925 and ascended the throne of his forefathers on June 2, 1963 as the 20th Igwe Nnewi, is currently the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria. He is the traditional supreme ruler and spiritual leader in Nnewi.
The kingdom of Nnewi is one of the oldest monarchy in Eastern Nigeria with records tracing the beginning of the Nnewi monarchy to the 15th century well before the arrival of the Europeans. The succession to the throne is patrilineal and based on the rule of primogeniture. Igwe Orizu III ascended to the throne following the death of his father, HRH Josiah Nnaji Igwe Orizu II.
About Author
