HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS
EZE ALPHONSUS AZUOGU EZEH
THE NKWO OF ONICHA NWENKWO
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Eze A.A. Ezeh, who died aged 73, was the NKWO of Onicha Nwenkwo Autonomous
Community. He was born on the 14th day of June, nineteen hundred and thirty-five (1935)
to the family of late Ezeji, also Nze, and Lolo Stephen Eze Aririguzo of Umuevu Onicha
Ezinihitte, Mbaise in Imo State of the federal Republic of Nigeria.
He started his educational career at the Sacred Heart School, Calabar in 1944. Thereafter,
he attended CKS Okpofe, Ezinihite; St Dominic’s, Onicha; and St Charles’, Nguru where he
rounded up his primary education. He then attended Government Trade Center, Enugu,
between 1950 and 1955 for his Secondary Education. Eze A.A. Ezeh was an outstanding
sportsman and played in the Nigerian Challenge Cup Series in Enugu in 1955.
In the year 1963, he proceeded to England to study at the prestigious Stockport College of
Technology in Manchester, England. He qualified as a professional Architect and was
enrolled as a member of the Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors of Great
Britain in 1968.
After graduation, the young Azuogu Alphonsus Ezeh worked as Architectural Assistant in
Her Majesty's Civil Service in Manchester between 1968 and 1974. On return to Nigeria
from the United Kingdom in 1974, he became the Area Technical Manager East, for Ibru,
Vaughan Richards and Associates in Port Harcourt. His self-confidence and zest for a
workload were a by-word among his colleagues. Persistent, considerate and professional, he
was described as the “lithe ideal colleague" for his ability to get things done properly and to
carry other people with him. Some of his notable accomplishments included the design and
construction of the Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, and the Oguta Motels/Golf Course in
Oguta, Imo State.
After his accomplished service with Ibru Vaughan Richards & Associates; he became the
project manager of Okmas Nigeria Limited in Port Harcourt. He also served as a Director
and later the Chairman of Onicha Amairi Community Bank. His meaningful participation in
Public and Community Services cannot be overstated. It started early in 1975 when he was
elected treasurer of Umuevu Onicha Welfare Association. In 1978, he became a member of
the Ordination Committee for St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Umuevu, Onicha. In the same
year, he was elected Deputy Chairman Onicha Town Union (Onicha Si) and was also
involved in the building of Onicha Secondary School.
It was in recognition of his immense contributions to his community and good leadership
qualities that he was one of the first four Chiefs honored by the late Eze J. I. Onyeneho
(ONUGOTU ONICHA AMAIRI).
HRH Eze A. A. Ezeh was a philanthropist and a social motivator. In 1990, he was elected
President of Onicha Amairi Tops Club-a philanthropic and non-political organization. The
club under his leadership awarded scholarships and bursaries to selected students from
each of the ten villages in Onicha Amairi.
HRH Eze A. A. Ezeh participated actively in many development projects of his community.
He was an active farmer, an Ezeji Mbaise Title holder. HRH Eze A. A. Ezeh was also a
devout Christian, and a very keen sportsman who gave active support and encouragement
to the education and sporting activities of young people.
HRH Eze A. A. Ezeh had been a Joseph from the womb, a child of destiny, born with the
vision that he would one day be Eze. It was therefore not surprising that he was
unanimously selected by the entire people of Onicha New-nkwo to be their first Eze of the
new Autonomous Community. One might say he was drafted, and so compelled to accept
the responsibility.
During his reign, his greatest achievement was the restoration of peace and harmony within
the community. As Eze, he attracted many development projects. These included The
World. Bank assisted market project at Nkwo Umuevu; The electrification project in Umuhu
and Umuaghara; The European Union MPP6 School Project; the World Bank assisted
completion of the Town School in Nkwo Umuevu and the ongoing water project. He also
instituted the Onicha Nwe-Nkwo Day celebration, which is an annual cultural jamboree. He
facilitated employment for many youths in the community.
In the area of dispensing verdicts, he exhibited the dexterity of King Solomon. Those who
lost out in cases he adjudicated were always happy because they always left persuaded that
the right decision had been made. He shrewdly democratized traditional rulership and
policies. As Prince Eddy Onyeneho said during his coronation “nature will stand up one day
and proclaim to the world -this was a man." Both friends and foe can attest to this.
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PRINCE CHIKERE EZEH
(for the Palace)
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