TELL Magazine

The longest reigning first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, Eze Chukumela Nnam Obi II, the Oba (Eze Ogba) of Ogbaland has died.

The news of the passing of the traditional ruler who has reigned since 1970 was broken on Friday by the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who said the news of the death saddened him.

Wike also said the people of Rivers State would miss the traditional ruler, whose counsel was very helpful to the state. He described him as a visionary and a forthright, patriotic statesman who cared for the progress of the State.

He declared that a deep sense of loss is shared by people of the State following the death of King Nnam Obi II, who was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS).

“May I, on behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, join the Nnam Obi family and people of Ogbaland in mourning the irreparable loss of  Sir, Dr. Chukumela Nnam Obi II, the Oba (Eze Ogba) of Ogbaland). Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and people of Ogbaland in this time of grief.”

Nnam Obi II was once the Chairman of the Council of Chiefs in the old Rivers State.