The Ochi 1 of Isuochi Ancient Kingdom, Umunneochi LGA of Abia State, Eze Godwin Irononso Ezekwesiri, is dead.

The monarch, who died at 88 years old, was crowned king in 1974 as the first monarch of Isuochi Ancient Kingdom and reigned for 51 years, during which he maintained peace in the different communities that make up Isuochi.

His death has been confirmed by his son, Ikedi Ezekwesiri, a former state legislator.

Reacting to the king’s death, Governor Alex Otti expressed sadness and regretted that the traditional ruler passed away at a time when the younger generation needed to tap into his experience and wealth of knowledge.

Otti, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said that the late Ezekwesiri was an elder statesman who positively impacted his community in particular and the state at large.

“The Abia Chief Executive recalls that Eze Ezekwesiri used his over five decades on the throne to touch lives positively while ensuring peace, unity and security in his kingdom in particular and Umunneochi as a whole, and prays God to grant his soul eternal repose.”