Obi Akaeze 1: 17-yr old boy becomes king in Ubulu-Uku, Delta state

Obi Akaeze 1 was crowned late Thursday, February 18 in the presence of the Umu Obi, Umu Oxim, and the respected Council of Chiefs, a day before his late father was laid to rest.

Ubulu-Uku kingdom in Aniocha local government, Delta state has just seen the emergence of a new monarch - 17-year old Chukwuka Noah Ofulue who assumed the name of Obi Akaeze 1.

Arguably one of the youngest monarchs in the history of Nigeria, Obi Akaeze 1 had been schooling in Britain when he was summoned home to ascend the throne of his ancestors following the murder of his father - Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue III, the immediate past king, by kidnappers.

The Ubulu-Uku monarchy succession line is from a father to his first son, hence Obi Akaeze 1's ascension to the throne despite not yet reaching 18 - the official adult age in Nigeria.

Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue III was kidnapped early in January and found dead 18 days after.

Obi Akaeze 1 was crowned late Thursday, February 18 in the presence of the Umu Obi, Umu Oxim, and the respected Council of Chiefs, a day before his late father was laid to rest.

Also in attendance at the coronation were prominent Ubulu-Uku citizens including the Aniocha/Oshimili constituency representative at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon (Mrs) Onyemaechi Mrakpor, chairman of Anio­cha South council, Isaac Anwuzia, President-General of Ubulu-Uku Development Union, Comrade Jones Ofunne and more.