30/10/2025
THE IGBO RICH MEN DURING 80'S AND 90'S
The untold story of Chief John Nebeolisa. (Joneb) Arusi Okuzu, Igwe Ibilibiogada. (1962-2006)
The Billionaire who bought kingship with money
Igwe John Ejikeme Nebolisa was born in 1962 in Awkuzu a town in Oyi LGA of Anambra State.
Not much is known about his family and educational background,
But he was the CEO of Joneb holiday inn, one of the most popular hotel in Anambra State in the 90s.
Arusi okuzu was a strong name among the cycles of the Igbo elites and multi billionaires of the 80s and 90s, he was a very good friend of the late Eze ego of Ihiala and Chief Morris Ibekwe of Okwelle Holdings, he was one of the famous members of the Peoples Club of Nigeria in the 80s and 90s, a social club which all of its members were multi billionaires, with multiple sources of income.
To most Nigerians, billionaire members of this club were either involved in shady businesses, r!tuals, bl0od money, and what have you. But these were mere speculations because there was no tangible proof..
John Nebeolisa during his glorious days, was everything any man wished to be in life, he had expensive cars like the Limousine, Porsche, Brand new Peugeot 504, etc. He moved with bodyguards and in convoy, whatever it is that was in trend back in the 90s, name it, John acquired it all.
John had businesses at almost the whole eastern region, and so many landed properties in Abuja, Lagos and Overseas. His businesses spanned from hotels, travel agencies and other controversial setups.
He made stupendous money then from his controversial businesses and also spent it as if there was no tomorrow. The late Igbo highlife maestro, Chief Dr. Oliver De Coque sang his praises to high heavens in his musical albums. Another popular Igbo musician, Ozoemena Nsugbe (Ayaka) also sang about him in praises.
At some point, Oliver De Coque dedicated an entire album to the owner of the once popular Joneb Holiday Inn, located in Awkuzu. Amid all these wealth and fame, as it's in man's nature, Joneb still wasn't satisfied with all he has achieved as a multimillionaire in his thirties.
He went ahead to acquire the kingship of his community.
This is How He Bought The Kingship In Awkuzu:
The controversial businessman Joneb wanted more power and fame to the extent he went toe to toe with age long tradition of Igbo land, specifically that of Anambra State and declared his intention of becoming the King of Awkuzu, a town in Oyi local government area in Anambra State.
After the death of King Aganama the fourth, the throne was forcefully taken by the Late Igwe John Ejikeme Nebeolisa.
Most of the elders of the town, dignitaries and the Igwe in council thought the multimillionaire was bluffing until he stormed their houses one by one with bags full of
'mints' of naira notes that anyone opposing his ambition has never seen in their entire life.
Joneb was so rich that he practically bought his way into the throne. He bought every single person that had a tiny reason to object to his ambition to ascend the revered throne, name your price, any amount and see it doubled in your face.
It was through John Ejikeme Nebeolisa (Joneb) that people knew kingship can be bought and everything on earth has its price.
When the price was paid for his ascension to the throne of Awkuzu, Joneb along with all his aides on his side was crowned Igwe Ibilibeogada and Arusi Awkuzu which translates as (The biggest the town has ever seen and the Oracle of the whole kingdom of Awkuzu).
Joneb occupied the throne of Awkuzu for 10 years before his death in 2006 at his home in Lagos while watching Television with his family. He died aged, 44.
Igwe John Ejikeme Nebolisa back then infamously told Awkuzu youths both at home and in the diaspora "na ocha acha si gbute, ochaghi acha si glute, ka e were dozie Obodo Awkuzu".
The family he left behind after his death was a young one and they weren't mentally or physically prepared to continue his legacy as the Arusi Awkuzu, the family he forcefully took the throne from eventually collected back their birth right.
What do you know about Arusi Okuzu?
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