Honoring Royalty: The Bust of Obi Joseph Okwudili Onyejekwe

Honoring Royalty: The Bust of Obi Joseph Okwudili Onyejekwe

Honoring Royalty: The Bust of Obi Joseph Okwudili Onyejekwe

At a quiet yet dignified location stands the bust of His Royal Majesty, Obi Joseph Okwudili Onyejekwe, a respected monarch who reigned as Obi of Onitsha from 1962 to 1970. Sculpted by renowned artist Felix Anyaduba, and donated by the Ezudimkpa Age Grade (1937), the monument serves as a lasting tribute to a ruler whose reign coincided with one of the most pivotal decades in Nigeria’s history.

Royal Leadership in a Turbulent Era

Obi Joseph Okwudili Onyejekwe ascended the revered throne of Onitsha during a time of both national optimism and political unrest. His reign covered the critical post-independence period and included the years of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), during which the Southeast region, including Onitsha, faced immense upheaval.

As a traditional ruler, Obi Onyejekwe provided stability and cultural continuity for the Onitsha people, serving not only as a political figure but also as a spiritual and moral compass in the face of national turmoil.

A Gift from a Grateful Generation

The bust was donated by the Ezudimkpa Age Grade (1937), a generational group that likely saw his reign as formative to their upbringing and civic identity. Their gesture of remembrance speaks volumes about the deep respect and affection the people of Onitsha held for their monarch.

Sculptural Excellence

Sculpted by Felix Anyaduba, the bust captures both the majesty and calm wisdom of Obi Onyejekwe. The artistry reflects traditional Igbo reverence for ancestors and leadership, where sculpture is not merely art, but a symbolic medium for memory, honor, and continuity.