As His Royal Majesty, Igwe Fidelis Ogbu Nwatu, the Eze Agabi II of Ihuokpara Ancient Kingdom in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, marks a remarkable milestone — five decades on the throne — he reflects with gratitude and pride on a reign defined by peace, unity, and the steady advancement of his people.
In an exclusive conversation with journalists ahead of the 50th anniversary celebrations, the Grand Patron of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Nwatu, one of Enugu State’s most respected and longest-reigning monarchs, expressed profound appreciation to Almighty God for the gift of life, sound health, and the enduring grace to serve his people faithfully for five decades.
*A Legacy of Service and Stability*
Since his installation and formal recognition as the traditional ruler of Agabi Kingdom in 1976, Igwe Nwatu has led with humility, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to peace and justice. Reflecting on the early days of his reign, he described the journey as one of immense responsibility, one that required patience, tolerance, forgiveness, and the courage to place communal harmony above personal interest.
“Leadership demands endurance and a heart for service,” he said. “I have always believed that the peace and progress of Ihuokpara depend on unity, mutual respect, and compassion among our people.”
Under his guidance, Agabi Kingdom has earned a reputation as one of the most peaceful communities in Enugu State, where people of different backgrounds are welcomed and coexist harmoniously with the locals. This atmosphere of peace, the monarch noted, has been the foundation of the kingdom’s growth and stability.
*Rebuilding a Kingdom After the War*
Igwe Nwatu’s life before his enthronement prepared him for the enormous task of rebuilding his community. He served as an officer in the Biafran Army during the Nigerian Civil War and returned from the battlefield on 13th January 1970. His return marked not just the end of a conflict but also the beginning of a difficult rebuilding process for the Ihuokpara people.
Recalling a time when traditional rulers received no formal remuneration, H.R.M. Igwe Nwatu’s modesty, integrity, and contentment earned him deep respect both within and beyond the community. He has since remained an exemplar of disciplined leadership and moral uprightness.
*Early Life, Work, and Leadership Formation*
Born with a grounding in faith, discipline, and education, His Majesty began his formal learning at St. Brigid’s Primary School, Asata Enugu, before moving on to St. Joseph’s Primary School, Kaduna, and St. Thomas Catholic School, Kano. He earned admission into the Kano Technical College in 1958 but left after two years due to the then-prevailing discriminatory indigenization policy in the then Northern Region.
Undeterred, he enrolled in 1961 at the RASHIA Philips Technical Engineering Company, where he studied Electrical Engineering. His diligence earned him an Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) license in 1963, enabling him to handle electrical installations in Nigeria.
Shortly afterward, he worked as an electrical maintenance engineer at Nigeria Sweets and Confectioneries Company Limited. He later joined British Petroleum (BP) where he served as a maintenance engineer covering multiple Northern Nigerian cities including Kano, Kaduna, Minna, Katsina, and Zungeru. He lived and worked in Northern Nigeria for 18 years, only returning to Enugu in 1966, shortly before the war, armed with experiences that would shape his character, build his resilience, and deepen his belief in inter-ethnic harmony.
*Champion of Good Governance and Tradition*
The Eze Agabi II has not only preserved cultural values but also modernized traditional governance in line with contemporary realities. Under his reign, the Ihuokpara Community By-laws of 2014 were established — a landmark legal framework promoting morality, justice, and protection of the vulnerable.
Among its key provisions are bans on harmful practices such as fetish sacrifices near public spaces or streams, widow maltreatment, early marriage, and violence during disputes. The by-laws also reinforce the sanctity of life and the responsibility of young men to take full accountability in matters of family and honor.
“These laws reflect our collective belief that peace and progress cannot thrive without justice and respect for human dignity,” the monarch stated.
*A Model for Younger Monarchs*
Addressing the new generation of traditional rulers, His Majesty advised them to pursue legitimate means of livelihood and live lives of integrity before ascending their thrones. He cautioned that poverty of morals and self-interest among traditional leaders, whose communities look to them for unbiased leadership and guidance, could undermine their dignity, the throne, and erode public trust.
He also appealed to government authorities to enhance the welfare and recognition of traditional institutions, noting that the custodians of culture and peace deserve adequate support to sustain their pivotal role in grassroots governance and conflict resolution.
*A Life of Faith and Learning*
Beyond his royal duties, H.R.M. Igwe Nwatu’s life is a testament to faith and discipline. A devout Catholic and a Fourth-Degree Knight of St. Mulumba, he has served the Church with unwavering devotion since his youth, from his early days as an altar server to his present status as one of the order’s most distinguished members.
His Majesty’s educational journey, shaped by both Southern and Northern experiences, also reinforced his pan-Nigerian ethos and outlook — values he continues to uphold as a peacemaker and statesman.
*Family*
After returning from the war, H.R.M. Igwe F. O. Nwatu married his beloved wife, Ugoeze Christiana Ogechukwu Nwatu, now of blessed memory. Together, they raised eight children, all of whom are successful and happily married. Today, His Royal Majesty is further blessed with 21 grandchildren, clear pointers to a life enriched by family, love, and legacy.
*Five Decades of Grace*
Now at 82 years old, Igwe Nwatu looks back on a reign marked by faith, endurance, and divine favor. “These fifty years have brought moments of joy, challenges, and growth, but through it all, God has been faithful,” he reflected. “I am grateful for the love of my people and for the peace that defines our land.”
As the Golden Jubilee celebrations of his enthronement draw near in January 2026, the people of Ihuokpara, Nkanu Nation, Enugu State, and Nigeria at large prepare to honour a monarch whose leadership has become a symbol of continuity, stability, and peace —qualities that have sustained his reign over Agabi Ancient Kingdom for half a century.
