08/05/2026
THE STORY BUILDING built in 1918 for His Royal Majesty Eze EKWEBELEM ABANOBI, The “DURUEMEZUE 1 and the Traditional Paramount Ruler of OKwelle Ancient Traditional Kingdom (OKwelle Ekweghi-Ariri) since 1895, recognized in 1908 by Queen Elizabeth the first through Mr K. A . B Kockreel, the District Officer (D. O) “The Nwadishi in Igbo language “ of Okigwe Province in the former Okigwe Province of the Regional Eastern Nigeria (Now in Onuimo LGA in Imo State Nigeria. I wrote to you about before.
This Monarch has been recognized before the Northern and Southern Protectorate of Nigeria. Recognized and Certified all the Government Eastern Region of Nigeria, Eastern Region House of Chiefs, during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War, East Central State of Nigeria, the Old and New Imo States of Nigeria.
In the Photos are (1) The Symbolic and Magnificent Royal Palace of HRM. EZE Ekwebelem Abanobi built in 1918.
(2 -3) HRM Eze Ekwebelem Abanobi ( The Duruemezue 1) and the Traditional Paramount Ruler, and King of OKwelle Ancient Traditional Kingdom/Monarch, “OKwelle Ekweghi-Ariri “of Gazetted Hereditary Status. He passed on in 1940.
One of the longest Monarchs of over 130 years
(4) His Queen Lolo Eunice Ugodiya Ekwebelem (Lolo Duruemezue 1 of OKwelle) with her granddaughters ( Princess Victoria & Ernestina Ekwebelem)
(5) Princess Grace Acholonu (Née Ekwebelem) “Ada Duruemezue 1 of OKwelle”
(6) HRH. Eze Alphonsus Asuzu Ekwebelem (The Duruemezue 11) and the Traditional Paramount Ruler and King of OKwelle Traditional Kingdom/Monarch) “OKwelle Ekweghi-Ariri” of Gazetted Hereditary Status. 1941-1993 .
OKWELLLE SHOULD BE THE HEAD PF IMO AND SOUTH EAST TRADITIONAL RULERS COUNCIL TODAY !
(7) Prince Jacob Osumere Ekwebelem, one of the sons of Duruemezue 1.
CREDIT :Prince Charles Ekwebelem, “Marshall of the Royal”FAMILY.