His Royal Highness
Eze Sir Chijioke James Chikwekwem
Uga IV of Nkwoegwu Autonomous Community
“Servant Leader, Bridge Builder, Champion of Progress”
KNIGHT OF JOHN WESLEY • REIGNING SINCE 2020
Royal Biography & Journey to the Throne
Origins & Early Life
His Royal Highness Eze Sir Chijioke James Chikwekwem hails from the distinguished lineage of Okpuala Umuekwule in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. Born into a family that valued both tradition and progress, his early years were marked by an insatiable quest for knowledge and a deep connection to his cultural roots.
His educational journey began at Afugiri Primary School and continued at Williams Memorial Secondary School, Afugiri. His exceptional academic brilliance earned him a prestigious scholarship from Ashland Oil and Texaco Overseas Petroleum Company to attend the renowned Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Warri, Delta State. He crowned his academic achievements with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Port Harcourt.
Distinguished Professional Career
Before answering the sacred call to traditional leadership, His Royal Highness built an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the global petroleum industry. His professional journey began at Berec Batteries Lagos as a Quality Control Inspector, where he demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
He subsequently joined Ashland Oil Company before moving to Chevron/Texaco, where he rose through the ranks to serve as Operations Assurance Manager on multiple international projects. His expertise and leadership were recognized globally as he managed complex operations across different continents. He retired with honor as Area Superintendent in charge of Chevron Onshore West and East oil operations in Nigeria, bringing home decades of international experience and a network of global connections that would later benefit his kingdom.
The Royal Coronation
In 2020, following ancient traditions and the wisdom of the kingmakers, Eze Sir Chijioke James Chikwekwem was selected and crowned as the fourth Uga of Nkwoegwu Autonomous Community. His coronation ceremony, witnessed by thousands of indigenes from home and abroad, marked not just a change in leadership but the dawn of a transformative era for the kingdom.
The selection process recognized in him the rare combination of traditional wisdom, modern expertise, and selfless dedication needed to lead Nkwoegwu into a new age. His acceptance of the throne represented a personal sacrifice – leaving behind a comfortable retirement to serve his people. The coronation united all five villages under his domain: Umuakam, Umuoshi, Umunlewe, Umuchukwu, and his ancestral home of Umuekwule Okpuala.
Spiritual Foundation
A devout Christian and committed Methodist, His Royal Highness exemplifies spiritual leadership through action. His generous contributions to the church include provision of evangelism buses, installation of sound-proof generating plants, and substantial support for church building projects at various levels. Honored as a Knight of John Wesley by the Methodist Church Nigeria, he maintains an exemplary record of spiritual and financial commitment, faithfully paying tithes and supporting ministerial and lay leadership. His Royal Highness is married to Her Royal Highness Lady Florence Chikwekwem, and together they are blessed with four accomplished children: Ijeoma, Amarachukwu, Chukwuemeka, and Chidindu.
Legacy of Service to Community
Even before ascending to the throne, His Royal Highness had established himself as a pillar of community development
Industrial Development
Installed a state-of-the-art oil processing mill for the women of Okpuala Umuekwule village, creating sustainable economic opportunities and transforming hundreds of families through agricultural value addition.
Power Pioneer
Facilitated installation and maintenance of solar/inverter energy systems and electrical transformers, bringing reliable power to households that had lived in darkness for decades.
Scholarship Champion
Established comprehensive scholarship awards and financial assistance programs for less privileged citizens, ensuring brilliant minds are not denied education due to poverty.
Peace Ambassador
Dedicated to ensuring stable, peaceful, and harmonious coexistence among all community members, serving as mediator and bridge-builder long before his coronation.
Meritorious Awards & Recognition
- Ugwumba Ohuhu
Ohuhu Traditional Rulers Council - Dike a Nagbara Izu
Ikenga Autonomous Community - Eriwe Echeta Ibe
Ohuhu Federated Women
- Knight of John Wesley
Methodist Church Nigeria - Diamond Father
Wesley Methodist Church, Umuekwule - Special Recognition
Okpuala Umuekwule Community
- 36 Years Award of Distinction
Chevron Texaco - International Recognition
Multiple Awards for Operational Excellence
Royal Achievements Since Coronation
Infrastructure Revolution
- ₦125 Million Road Project
Secured funding for Ohuhu Road construction - Solar Light Initiative
Partnership with Dr. Aham Uko to illuminate all 5 villages - Health Center Renovation
Complete transformation of Okaiuga Nkwoegwu Health Center - Electricity Expansion
New transformers for underserved areas
Cultural Renaissance
- 2024 Ekpe Festival
Attracted 30,000+ global attendees - New Yam Festival
Revitalized with modern organization - Cultural Documentation
Recording oral histories and traditions - Youth Engagement
Modernized age-grade system for development
Governance Excellence
- State Council Role
Active member of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers - Security Partnership
Key participant in Governor Otti’s community policing - Women Empowerment
Supporting 200+ women through cooperatives - Diaspora Engagement
Strengthened global Nkwoegwu connections
Social Development
- Free Education
Implemented January 2025 for all children - Healthcare Access
24/7 emergency services at health center - Agricultural Support
International partnerships for modern farming - Scholarship Programs
Annual awards for exceptional students
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
“This is truly a man that has given his life and wealth for the service of God and humanity.”
His Royal Highness Eze Sir Chijioke James Chikwekwem stands as a beacon of selfless leadership,
having transformed personal success into communal prosperity. His reign represents not mere governance
but a sacred covenant with his people – to build a kingdom where tradition and progress walk hand in hand.