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World unite for 3-day coronation of “Uthoko Na Eze Achalla VI”, Igwe Ositadinma Sunny Nwokedi
“I also promise not only to be your servant leader but also to be a true custodian of the traditional honors of the great kingdom of Achalla,” —Eze Oranyelu Sunny Nwokedi
The Uthoko Na Eze Royal Family of Achalla, the Igwe-in Council, the Ancient Society of Ndi Alor, and the entire Achalla Community, Awka North Local Government, Anambra State, have concluded the Coronation and Iwaji (New Yam) Ceremonies of His Majesty, Igwe Ositadinma Sunny Nwokedi, Eze Oranyelu, Uthoko VI of Achalla, Anambra State, held at the ancestral Palace of the Uthoko Na Eze, Achalla, from October 28 through 31, 2021.
The coronation attended by dignitaries around the globe featured a 3-day program-packed traditional rites, held on Friday, October 28; Iwaji (New Yam) with his 1st Ofala Ceremony; and Thanksgiving Ceremony held on October 30 and 31 respectively.
In the past few months, threads of traditional rites and events leading to this throne have been observed and completed, paving way for the just-concluded official coronation of his kingship. In the process, Eze Oranyelu Sunny Nwokedi received a Certificate of Kingship from the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano.
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 picked up the ancestral mace 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.”
“On behalf of the Uthoko Dynasty, I sincerely thank all our guests for attending this event. Now, I can proudly hold up my chieftaincy scepter with utmost confidence, veneration, and loyalty to the throne. I also promise not only to be your servant-leader but also a true custodian of the traditional honors of the great kingdom of Achalla,” Eze Oranyelu Sunny Nwokedi said.
His Royal Highness continued, “Also, let me tell you that it is not just my sole effort that has brought me here. I would like to give special thanks to my family members – the Uthoko Dynasty, who have been my mentors, supporters, and inspirators throughout this process. Everyone needs such mentors in life, and I am lucky to have found mine.”
The coronation featured the outing of the occasional Oganachi Masquerade; the “Iwapu Oji” ceremony; the “Ada masquerade” procession; and finally, a Thanksgiving Mass was 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 has now joined 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.
Today, I write with great joy and admiration to wish you, Prof. Chris Chinwe Ulasi, a delighted 70th birthday. It is a glorious milestone, and my family and I are honored to join friends and colleagues in celebrating this remarkable occasion with you here in Cancun, Mexico.
Since I first met you in 2005 at Texas Southern University (TSU), Houston, Texas, you have consistently demonstrated that you are a true Nwannedinamba—a brother from Anambra State, Nigeria. As both a colleague and a friend, you have been a source of inspiration to all who have crossed your path.
Shortly after I joined TSU, a colleague informed me that I had a “brother” in the School of Communications. That brother was you. Not long afterward, we co-presented a training seminar for Akwa Ibom legislators, accompanied by their then-Governor, Akpabio, who now serves as Senate President of Nigeria. I vividly recall how your training manual immediately impressed me with its depth and clarity. From that moment, we became not only colleagues and friends but brothers in every sense of the word.
You are a bona fide poet whose work resonates deeply with those privileged to read it. Your poems, carefully crafted and rich in meaning, often reflect the pressing issues of the time. I read them more than once to fully grasp their layered insights. They remind me of my younger days, poring over Dele Giwa’s columns in The Concord newspaper, pen and paper in hand, collecting new vocabulary. Thankfully, with the aid of modern technology, deciphering your poetic expressions has become more accessible, though no less profound.
Beyond your academic scholarship, you are a respected public intellectual. Through your efforts and those of your colleagues, you revived the West African Pilot News as co-publisher and executive editor, initially founded by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. I still recall when you invited me to join the editorial board and contribute op-eds. Initially hesitant—declaring myself a criminologist, not a journalist—you quickly convinced me that the goal was to elevate Ndigbo voices. You were right: too often, the positive narratives of Ndigbo are overlooked. Since then, the Pilot has become a vital platform for scholars and writers across disciplines to express optimistic, forward-looking visions of Nigeria and Africa. This is a tremendous legacy—one that you and your team should be proud of.
Your academic and professional accomplishments speak for themselves. You are a Professor of Radio, Television, and Film, the Dean of the School of Communication, and Chair of the Department of Radio, Television, and Film at TSU. With over three decades of teaching, research, and creative work—and more than 25 years of leadership experience—you have distinguished yourself as an educator, scholar, administrator, and cultural leader. Beyond the classroom and administrative offices, you are a dynamic force in the world of media and literature. A talented screenwriter, producer, director, and poet, you have used your voice and platforms to shape narratives and inspire change. You have been a journal and book editor of the Journal of Nigerian Affairs, formerly COMPO REVIEW. Since 2000, you have proudly served as University Marshal at TSU—another testament to your enduring leadership and commitment.
Your leadership in the Houston community is equally outstanding. The more than 200 people who traveled to Cancun to celebrate you are a testament to your enduring impact. As Chairman of the People’s Club of Nigeria International, Sugarland chapter, your leadership has been exemplary. At Our Savior Anglican Church (OSAC), you oversee communications and have trained younger members to manage the system with excellence, even in your absence. You also serve as Dean of the Diocesan Conference, a role appointed by the Bishop, and are a valued member of OSAC’s governing board. Your dedication has contributed significantly to the growth and unity of the church.
Moreover, in the broader community, you once served as Chairman of the Ndi-Ichie Igbo Cultural Club and now lead its annual cultural celebrations in Houston. These events showcase the richness of Igbo heritage—culinary delights, traditional dances, language, and youth involvement—with elegance and pride.
Nwannedinamba, I could fill many more pages with your accomplishments, but allow me to share a personal story. When I lost my beloved brother, Prof. Ebere Onwudiwe (may his soul rest in peace), you traveled all the way from Nnewi to Isunjaba, Imo State, accompanied by a musical group and heartfelt gifts, including Nkwu Elu. I shared that special palm wine only with members of the Onwudiwe family. Your presence in our family compound remains unforgettable. While we danced to the Ogene music you brought, you engaged in deep dialogue with my traditional ruler about the origins of Isu. My Eze later insisted that you visit the palace, where he intended to present you with archival records on Isu’s history. One day, we will fulfill that promise.
Prof. Ulasi, you are not only a distinguished colleague and scholar but also a cherished friend. We are deeply grateful for your friendship and all you have done for us and the broader community. We also thank your wonderful wife for her unwavering support, love, and understanding.
As we mark this milestone with you, we are reminded that true greatness lies not just in titles held or accolades received, but in the lives touched, the values modeled, and the legacy quietly built each day. You exemplify this kind of greatness. May your 70th year be a continuation of your influence, your light, and your unwavering commitment to building a better, more just, and culturally vibrant world.
As you celebrate your 70th birthday, we wish you continued health, joy, and fulfillment. May the years ahead bring even greater blessings. Thank you for being the exceptional person you are, Nwannedinamba.
With warmest regards,
Prof. I. D. Onwudiwe
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■ Dr. Onwudiwe, a Professor of Criminology at Texas Southern University, is on the EDITORIAL BOARD of the WAP
Community members are invited this Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Alief Community Center in Houston, Texas, for an impactful workshop aimed at supporting African and Black immigrant communities on their journey to naturalization and citizenship. This empowering event will offer crucial guidance on the naturalization process, legal rights, and available resources. The event starts at 2.00 pm.
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Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy met with Professor Jamien Graves from the School of Communications at Texas Southern University to discuss the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the African-American Memorial. The ceremony is set to take place on Saturday, August 24 at Bates Allen Park in Kendleton, Texas.