The Obi of Akokwa, Eze Agbakwuruibe IIth, HRH Eze(Sir)Ikenna C Okoli (KSC) is a king with an enviable personality, for it is said that to preserve the personality bit which makes you stand out from the crowd at one point in the future,your uniqueness will have to shine and the world will be your creative playground.
Born as Prince Ikenna C Okoli on 28th February,1971 to HRH Eze (Sir) Osita C Okoli IV (Late) and Lady Bibian E Okoli (late)’Ezenwanyi’. His arrival as the first child of the family coming from a background where his late father was the only male child influenced his name to be IKENNA(God’s Power)and further simplified as ‘Father’s strength’. The Obi is blessed with six siblings, four males and two females.
HRH Eze (Sir) Ikenna C Okoli V Agbakwuruibe IIth Obi of Akokwa attended the indigenous St. Peters Primary school, Akokwa between 1976 and 1988 where he obtained his first school leaving certificate thereafter he proceeded to Federal Government College, Azare Bauchi state which was facilitated by his uncle Prince Nathan Okoli (late) who was a staff of the prestigious institution then. His late uncle took him along when he was transferred to Federal Government College Sokoto, Sokoto State where he obtained his west African school certificate in 1987.
In 1991,the young Eze gained admission in Abia State University, Uturu where he obtained B.sc honors in Sociology/anthropology. The young Prince embedded with the zeal for entrepreneurship immediately after his graduation had a passion to be an employer of labour at such an early stage in his life hence the birthing of Equipment Alliance Limited where he is still the MD/CEO of the establishment till date. This company specializes on leasing of equipments such as earth and marine equipments with its head office at FCT, Abuja.
His company played an important role in the construction of Abuja National Stadium prior to the hosting of the All African games (COJA) and committed to the construction of several other projects both in the public and private sectors.
The business metamorphosed into importation of trucks and heavy equipment. With what we have seen so far in the life of His Royal Highness one can never underestimate the power dreams and the influence accompanying spirit for the potential of greatness lives within.
HIS SELECTION AND CORONATION. The procedure towards the selection of the Obi of Akokwa is as old as itself. The former Akokwa autonomous community comprising of six villages namely: Umuokwara,Umuezeaga,Akwu,Owerre Akokwa, Umuopia and Umukegwu which were then ruled by the hereditary ‘OBU-OFO’ with the most senior holding the title and the staff of the office of the Obi of Akokwa.
Apart from Umuokwara the oldest entity, the five other villages sought for and were granted autonomy by the Imo state Government. Their ‘OBU-OFO’S ascended to Ezeship of their respective new autonomous communities.
The present Akokwa autonomous community is made up of six villages which has uzouhu as the most senior amongst the other five which are Umuloloihedi, Ikpa, Uhualla,Umueze and Umuezedike villages. Within Uzouhu Okwara village we have Umuezesiobula kindred whose head is the ‘OBU -OFO’ of Uzouhu village and also the head of the other five ‘OBU-OFO’S of the present day Akokwa autonomous community and form the inner cabinet of the traditional ruling council. From this brief discourse, it will be observed that from time immemorial Akokwa has had hierarchical, pyramidal and socio political structure in which the traditional ruler is at the apex and is chosen from the lineage of umuezesiobula kindred.
The position of the Eze/traditional ruler has never been elective neither has there been a struggle for it.
The Umuezesiobula kindred has not deviated from an age long tradition of identifying and selection of the right and proper heir for presentation to the entire people of Akokwa.Based on the ancient law of selection,HRH EZE Ikenna C Okoli V,Agbakwuruibe III Obi of Akokwa 11th was selected from Umuezesiobula kindred in Uzouhu Okwara village to ascend the prestigious throne of Akokwa ancient kingdom on the 15th day of March 2005.
The Imo State Government through its letter of same date with reference number:SGI/S.0097/T.3/236 formerly recognized HRH Eze(Sir)Ikenna C Okoli V as the traditional ruler and Obi of Akokwa autonomous community in Ideato North Local government area of Imo state.
The Obi of Akokwa being the paramount ruler of Akokwa autonomous community and the head of Akokwa nation is saddled with the responsibilities of protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of his people.
As his reign progressed after his coronation, he had endeavored to stay true to the culture and norms for which Akokwa people are renowned for. In recent times, this steadfastness has yielded results which made the then Governor of Imo state, Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha to select Akokwa as one of the cities to be developed in Imo state.
In pursuit of that, the Governor also embarked on the dualization of Akokwa/Orlu road in order to create easy access to the new Akokwa city center.
Furthermore His Excellency the then governor of Imo state Owelle specifically appointed His royal Highness to lead the supervision of the construction of numerous rural roads in the community. The Obi facilitated the construction of the new General hospital. He is a strong advocate for the empowerment and emancipation of the widows and youths.
He has transformed Akokwa kingdom and nation into a strong commercial hub.He is a renowned philanthropist and a resounding voice for the less privileged. There is a saying that says ‘whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness. HRH EZE IKENNA C OKOLI V,THE OBI OF AKOKWA 11TH is a self made man, fearless and daring. His genuine love for his hometown and nation cannot be overemphasized. His desire for success has created so many opportunities for the youths in the community, highly admired by the people of Akokwa kingdom and most importantly remains in tune with his root and traditions.