The last Ezenri of the Oraeri  Kingdom,  the late OGBUEFI EMMANUEL NRIAGU joined his ancestors on July fourteenth, 2023.

OGBUEFI Nriagu  got his secondary school education at Christ the King College Onitsha (CKC)  from where he also obtained his Higher School Certificate in 1971. He subsequently bagged his first degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1975. After his NYSC programme, he gained employment at Agricultural Development Corporation  in Enugu in Old Anambra State in 1977. He was selected in 1989 by the Ministry of Agriculture to further his studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland from where he obtained the Post Graduate Diploma in October 1990. With State Creation in 1991, he was transferred to Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Development Programme where he reached the rank of Deputy Director.  He retired from active service in 2007.

OGBUEFI Nriagu  got married to his better half in February 1983. Their Union was blessed with five children-three girls and two boys and  is survived by all the children.

As a dedicated and ardent member of the Roman Catholic Church, the Ezenri practiced his faith assiduously and was active in a number of church organizations.

The late Ezenri served his community with honesty and distinction at many levels. He was first appointed in various capacities as Secretary of his village Ebenator meetings for several years and subsequently became the Secretary General of Ora-Eri Development Union Central Executive Committee.  He was elected as President General of Ora-Eri Development Union Central Executive Committee for four years. His experience in all these endeavors, which he completed creditably, prepared him for the bigger task still to come.

He ascended the traditional thrown on thirtieth December 2013. and the  services of the late Ezenri to Ora-eri Town, the Aguata Council Area and by extension Anambra State were numerous. He was an active member of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Anambra South Senatorial Traditional Rulers Council, and Aguata Council Area, Traditional Rulers Council. He held key posts in some of these councils. One of his most notable achievements was the order banning “Osu Caste System” in Ora-Eri and throughout the entire Igbo land on thirteenth September, 2019. Another major accomplishment was his ability to navigate the conflicting demands of being an Ezenri and a staunch Catholic.

The late Ezenri was famous as a Man of Peace. He initiated many peace moves in Ora-eri Town to reconcile the misunderstandings between villages and among some clans which ensured equanimity and oneness among the people.

Ezenri Emmanuel Nriagu was an ideal father and grandfather; an outstanding husband; a wonderful brother, uncle and nephew in the Nriagu clan; a role model for young people and  impartial in his judgement; He has left indelible footprints during his lifetime and his legacy will continue to shine brightly, inspiring future generations.

We celebrate the exemplary life but mourn the early departure of Ogbuefi Emmanuel Nriagu for a reserved seat among his ancestors.

PROFESSOR JEROME NRIAGU

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