His Royal Highness Igwe Alexander Ezeobidike Ejikemeuwa Azike, Idu the third of Igbo-Ukwu in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State is indeed a man born with the lofty destiny to serve his people at a critical time like now. His ascension to the traditional kingship stool of Igbo-Ukwu today typifies the saying that CHINAEMEZE -only God makes a King!
In 1977, HRH Igwe Z. E. Umeokoli was enthroned as the Idu the first of Igbo-Ukwu. Then followed with the enthronement of Igwe Dr. Martin Ezeh as the Idu the second of Igbo-Ukwu in August 2003. He celebrated his last Ofala Festival in 2018 after his transition in 2017. Since his last Ofala festival, Igbo-Ukwu had been without a traditional ruler. Today, that jinx has been broken with the historic election and coronation of HRH Igwe Alexander Azike. To God be the glory.
This development marks yet another turning point in the annals of Igbo-Ukwu. Once again, Ndi Igbo-Ukwu have taken another big leap towards progress as a united community determined to reclaim and restore her lost place and dignity in the gathering of other communities, comity of Ndi Aguata and Anambra State Councils of Traditional Rulers.
Today, indeed, is the beginning of a new dawn in our journey towards greatness! Ndi Igbo-Ukwu spoke with a loud united voice in the election of Igwe Azike and as the Greeks would say: “vox populi, vox dei” – the voice of the people is the voice of God!
It is worthwhile to commend the strong resolve of the President General of Igbo-Ukwu Development Union, I. D. U, Architect Sir Christian Ike, to enthrone the Idu the third before the end of his tenure later in December, 2023. Indisputably, this legacy alone has written the name of Architect Ike in gold. Also worthy of appreciation is Mr Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, OFR, Odenigbo Aguata, his Commissioner for Local Governments, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Honourable TonyCollins Nwabunwanne and the entire Igbo-Ukwu stakeholders for co-operating with I. D. U leadership to make today possible.
Born on 4th March, 1962 to the family of late Nze Anthony Azike-Onedibe (Ezeobidike the first) and Noono Cathrine Azike-Onedibe of Umu-Ume Ward 23, Umudege, Ihite- Igbo-Ukwu, Idu the third elect attended Ihite Nursery and Primary School, Ihite Igbo-Ukwu and Boys’ Secondary School, Igbo-Ukwu. He, thereafter, set his mind to do business and his company, AEC Technical Equipment Ltd, which he founded immediately after a successful apprenticeship has grown in leaps and bounds. He is happily married to Monica Amaka Azike (nee Igwekanma of Umuechefu Village, Obiuno, Igbo-Ukwu) and they are blessed with a handsome boy.
Igwe Azike is a gentleman to the core, an epitome of uncommon philanthropy and selfless leadership to his people. He has a long track record of sterling leadership over the past 35 years to Ndị Igbo-Ukwu at home and in Kano. He was the Chairman, Youths Social Club of Igboukwu, Kano Branch from 1993 to 2001; President, Friends Movement of Kano State from 1992 to 2003; Treasurer, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association, ASPAMDA, Kano State from 1997 to 2000 and was elected the President of the Association from 2000 to 2003.
Igwe Azike was also the Chairman of Igbo-ukwu Development Union (I.D.U), Kano Branch from 2000 – 2006 and President, Aguata Progressive Union (APU), Kano Branch from 2010 – 2017. He is the Financial Secretary, Noble Fathers Association, Kano from 2015 till date, Patron, I.D.U, Kano Branch, 2016 till date; Patron, Anambra State Association, Kano, 2018 till date, Chairman, Umuezeokolo Kindred, Igbo-Ukwu 2020 till date and Member, Society of Ozo Titled Men Igbo-Ukwu, SCOTMI, 2019 till date.
Ndị Igbo-Ukwu as we welcome a new dispensation in Igbo-Ukwu and an extra-ordinary peacemaker, unifier, role model and leader, HRH Igwe Alexander Ezeobidike Ejikemeuwa Azike-Onedibe, as the Idu the third of Igbo-Ukwu, we must all join hands in solidarity to support our new king as he ascends this revered royal throne of our ancestors.
Long live Your Highness! May your reign be fruitful and peaceful, Amen!
Written by SIR DR MCK UBAH, ESQ
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