All roads lead to Achalla, in Anambra State, October 28 and 29, 2021 for the coronation ceremonies of Eze Oranyelu, Igwe Ositadinma Sunny Nwokedi, the  Uthoko Na Eze Achalla The 6th. In the past few months, a thread of traditional rites and events leading to this throne have been observed and completed, paving way for an official coronation of his kingship.

Located in the south-central part of Anambra State, Achalla is the capital of Awka North Local Government surrounded by towns like Amanuke, Igbariam, Obaefemili, Ukwulu, Urum e.t.c.

A new king of Achalla was necessary following the transition of the former ruler, His Majesty, Igwe Alex Ezeoba Nwokedi V, the Uthoko of Achalla. Aged 84, Igwe Alex Nwokedi who served as the Chairman of Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers and also Chairman of the Nine Eastern States Council of Traditional Rulers passed away May 11, 2020, after a brief illness.

Eze Oranyelu Sunny Nwokedi, a distinguished businessman,  nominated by the Uthoko Na Eze Royal family and backed up by the Igwe-in Council, the ancient society of Ndi Alor, and the entire Achalla community picks up the scepter to resume the legacy of the traditional monarchy. According to the new king, “It’s an ancestral call – an inevitable responsibility and I will remain faithful to that trust.”

Eze Oranyelu Sunny Nwokedi and wife, Tiffanny (middle). Eze Oranyelu , a distinguished businessman, nominated by the Uthoko Na Eze Royal family and backed up by the Igwe-in Council, the ancient society of Ndi Alor, and the entire Achalla community picks up the scepter to resume the legacy of the traditional monarchy.

The coronation process begins Sunday, October 24th when the occasional Oganachi Masquerade makes an outing; Thursday, October 28 is slated for the coronation and the “Iwapu Oji” ceremony; Friday, October 29, the entire town will celebrate the coronation with the “Ada masquerade” procession; Saturday, October 30 will be the Iruji day; and finally, Sunday, October the 31, a Thanksgiving Mass will be held to close out the coronation process.

Eze Oranyelu Sunny Nwokedi was born in Onitsha in Anambra State, December 5, 1965, to Chief John Obi & Esther Chikaodili Nwokedi. It was a few years before the civil war which broke out in 1967. He spent the entire three years of the war at the Uthoko Palace in Achalla with the family, and this was when his familiarity with the town’s traditional and monarchical heritage began.

Eze Oranyelu Sunny Nwokedi spent time in Enugu after the civil war where he resumed his primary school education. He attended Enitonna High School in Port Harcourt (Rivers State) and proceeded to the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State where he studied Political Science and Administration.

In recent years, Eze Oranyelu Sunny Nwokedi has established various business ventures nationally and internationally. He said, “I am open when it comes to choosing my business environment and partners and would always adapt to every new environment I find myself in, to allow a checkered lifestyle.”

He is passionate about people – a trait he had demonstrated among Achalla indigenes. He said, “The community is made of people, therefore to be a community person one has to be passionate about the people, their cause, their culture, and their aspirations.  I cut a myriad of pictures to different people depending on what part of the chasm I view them from. For Achalla, it is an inherited bond if I look back at my early age during the civil war through the current era.”

By his current traditional designation, Eze Oranyelu Sunny Nwokedi will join a lineup of other recognized distinguished traditional rulers in Anambra State in presiding his official duties. He would parade a matrix of aristocracy and transformational models.  He said, “This is a traditional setting – in other words, it is my duty to govern according to the tradition of the land. At the same time, my personality reflects compassion, friendliness, respect for elder statesmanship, and love for the people.” He continued, “I listen a lot more than I speak. This makes me a good learner and allows me to respect or articulate peoples’ perspective. I try not to dispute their opinion even when it’s the opposite of who I am. These are some of my transformational traits and truly, these have been my driving force all through my endeavors as a community advocate.”

Eze Oranyelu Sunny Nwokedi is married to his wife of 13 years, Tiffanny Nkechi Nwokedi.  He has our children. Ositadinma, Chukwuemeka, Obieze and Ifeoma Nwokedi.