Anya-Ndi-Igbo hails Obi of Onitsha at 85, says he ‘redefined royalty’
Anya-Ndi-Igbo, a non-partisan socio-political and economic development organisation, has paid glowing tribute to Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, on the occasion of his 85th birthday, describing him as a monarch who has “positively redefined royalty.”
In a statement marking the monarch’s birthday on Thursday, May 14, 2026, the group celebrated what it described as “eight decades and half of glorious sojourn on earth.”
The organisation said the revered traditional ruler, also known as Agbogidi, remains mentally alert and physically fit at 85, describing it as “an extraordinary blessing from God.”
“But what is even more important is that in blessing you, God also blessed not only Onitsha Kingdom, Anambra State and Alaigbo but also Nigeria,” the statement read.
Anya-Ndi-Igbo praised the monarch’s reign since he ascended the throne in 2002 as the 21st Obi of Onitsha, following what it called an illustrious career in the Royal Dutch Shell Group, where he served as director in various companies.
“Ever since you emerged the 21st Obi of Onitsha in 2002… you have come to embody royalty in its truest essence,” the group stated.
The organisation further noted that the monarch’s “hard work, character, demeanour and an uncommon commitment to the service of humanity” had helped redefine traditional leadership in Nigeria.
“In the 24 years you have been on the throne of your forefathers, by sheer dint of hard work, character, demeanour and an uncommon commitment to the service of humanity, you have positively redefined royalty,” it said.
The group also commended the monarch’s leadership style and personal conduct, saying he had demonstrated “an exemplary sense of dignity, poise, and nobility of purpose.”
“It is not always that monarchs act as stewards of their own lives, not to talk of the lives of other people. But your legacy of grace, resilience, and personal impact has redefined royalty in significant ways,” the statement added.
Highlighting the cultural impact of the monarch’s reign, Anya-Ndi-Igbo credited him with elevating the annual Ofala Festival to international prominence.
“It is your sense of traditional pride and the ease with which you blend the culture of your people with contemporary style that has catapulted the annual Ofala festival… onto the global calendar of cultural festivals,” the group said.
The organisation also praised the Obi’s contributions to national development and education, noting that his belief that “lack of funds should not prevent any child from acquiring good education” inspired the establishment of a manpower development trust fund for his community.
According to the group, the monarch’s worldview was shaped by his educational background at Stanford and Columbia universities in the United States.
While praying for continued good health for the royal father, Anya-Ndi-Igbo expressed hope that he would continue “graciously to the privileged club of nonagenarians.”
The statement concluded: “Happy birthday Agbogidi – the people’s monarch!”
