An elaborate celebration was held in honour of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, who marked his 85th birthday on Friday, June 19, 2026, at The Delborough Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State. The Obi of Onitsha is also the chairman of the hotel’s board.
The event was well attended by top dignitaries, political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives, and other prominent Nigerians who gathered to celebrate the monarch. Guests were welcomed on arrival with a colourful cultural dance performance.
In his remarks, former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, recounted his long-standing friendship with the celebrant, describing him as a man of peace and a bridge-builder.
“Over the years, what you have consistently demonstrated to me is that you are a man of peace and a peacemaker. One of the things that endears you to me is that wherever I go, traditional rulers in the North, South, East and West all speak highly of you,” he said. Related News Kwara APC gov aspirants reject planned endorsement of speaker as candidate Obasanjo, others call for collaboration at entrepreneurs’ festival Rhodes-Vivour, Lagos commissioner clash over Sanwo-Olu’s clean-up directive
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, also described the Obi of Onitsha as a father figure, noting that he had to leave another engagement to attend the celebration. He later offered prayers for the monarch.
