Prince Akweke Abyssinia Nwafor Orizu

Prince Akweke Abyssinia Nwafor Orizu was born on July 17, 1914, into the royal family of Nnewi, Anambra State. He was the son of Eze Ugbonyamba, Igwe Orizu I, the traditional ruler of Nnewi, placing him in the esteemed Orizu dynasty. As a royal, his upbringing was marked by cultural and intellectual influences, preparing him for leadership roles.

Details about his mother and siblings remain largely undocumented, but his family’s influence as traditional rulers in the southeastern region of Nigeria shaped his worldview and ambitions.

Education

Nwafor Orizu’s education journey reflects his determination for academic excellence and his desire to uplift African society through knowledge. He attended:

• St. Thomas Central School, Onitsha (1924–1931), where he earned a Standard Six Certificate in 1931.
• Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, through private lessons, where he passed the Junior Cambridge examination in 1937.

He left Nigeria for the United States in 1939 to further his studies and attended:

• Lincoln University, Pennsylvania (1939)
• Ohio State University (1940–1942), where he earned a B.A. (Hons) in Political Science/Pre-Law.
• Columbia University, New York (1943–1945), earning a M.A. in Public Law/Government.
• He completed his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Public Law in 1945.

Scholastic Awards and Recognitions:

• Scholarship for Master’s and Doctorate Degrees awarded by the President of Ohio State University (declined to organize African students in New York).
• Honorary LL.D Degree from Lane University, Jackson, Tennessee, USA, in 1948.

Career and Professional Life

Educator

Nwafor Orizu championed education as the cornerstone of development. He advocated for the American-style “horizontal education”, emphasizing practical knowledge over the theoretical “vertical” British system. His philosophy earned him the nickname “Orizontal.”

Contributions:

• Founded the Nigerian Secondary School, Nnewi (1950), a model institution for private education in Eastern Nigeria.
• Proprietor of Enitona High School and the Enitona Printing Press.
• Secured scholarships for African students through the American Council on African Education (ACAE), benefiting many Nigerians.

Journalist

Orizu was also a prolific journalist and founded The West African Examiner, which he managed as Editor-in-Chief. The newspaper played a pivotal role in promoting nationalist sentiments and discussions on African freedom.

Political Activism and Nationalism

Orizu was a leading figure in Nigeria’s fight for independence, aligning with American-educated nationalists like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, K.O. Mbadiwe, and Mbonu Ojike. He joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and actively participated in political reforms.

Notable Political Achievements:

• Elected as an independent candidate to represent Onitsha Division in the Eastern House of Assembly, becoming the Chief Whip.
• Advocated for divisional representation in the Eastern Region.
• Played a critical role in removing “sit-tight ministers” from colonial administration in Enugu.
• Appointed Minister of Local Government in the Eastern Region.

Presidency of the Senate

On October 1, 1963, Nwafor Orizu became the President of the Nigerian Senate, succeeding Dennis Osadebay. He held this position until January 15, 1966, when he briefly served as Acting President of Nigeria during Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s absence. Orizu announced the government’s decision to hand over power to the military following the January 1966 coup.

Controversies and Legal Challenges

In 1953, Orizu faced accusations of misappropriating funds from the ACAE, which was meant for student scholarships. He was convicted by the colonial government and sentenced to seven years in prison. However, he received a full pardon after independence, and Roy Wilkins of the ACAE exonerated him of any wrongdoing.

Personal Life

Information about Orizu’s marriages, children, and siblings remains scarce. However, his role as a traditional and political leader indicates a commitment to both family and community leadership.

Later Years and Legacy

After retiring from politics post-1966, Orizu dedicated himself to education and governance:

• Served as Chairman of the Teachers’ Service Commission, East Central State (1974–1975).
• Played a pivotal role in reconstructing educational systems in Eastern Nigeria after the Nigerian Civil War.

Publications

A prolific writer, Orizu authored numerous works, including:

• Horizontal Education (1943)
• Without Bitterness (1944)
• Liberty or Chains—Africa Must Be: An Autobiography (1994)
• Man’s Unconquerable Mind (Vol. I, 1986)

Death and Honors

Prince Nwafor Orizu passed away in March 1999 at the age of 84 in Germany. His contributions are commemorated through the Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, named in his honor.

Awards and Recognitions

• Conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
• Honored as a Fellow of the American Geographical Society.
• Appointed Chancellor of the University of Jos (1982).
• Recognized globally as a Patron of International House, New York.

Associations with Notable Igbo Figures

Throughout his career, Orizu collaborated with iconic figures such as:

• Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, with whom he shared a vision for Nigeria’s independence.
• K.O. Mbadiwe and Mbonu Ojike, co-nationalists in the fight for decolonization.

Legacy

Prince Akweke Abyssinia Nwafor Orizu remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s history as an educator, journalist, nationalist, and politician. His life exemplifies dedication to intellectual growth, political reform, and the empowerment of his people. His philosophy of horizontal education and his contributions to Nigeria’s independence continue to inspire generations.

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