Nigerian Oldest Traditional Ruler Dies At 108
The Imo state longest-serving and inarguably the oldest monarch in Nigeria, H.R.H. Eze Philip Onwuka Anyanwu, is dead.
This was according to a statement on Wednesday by the late monarch’s son, Prince Greg Anyanwu, titled, ‘The King Says Goodbye.’
Anyanwu had been on the throne as the Chinyereugo IV of Ohoba Kingdom in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State for over 48 years before his demise.
The statement read, “After 48 years on the throne as the Traditional Ruler of Ohoba Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State and after many years as the oldest man of his Ohoba community, the oldest and longest-serving Traditional Ruler in Imo State, my beloved father H.R.H. Eze Philip Onwuka Anyanwu, has said goodbye and transited to glory. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
While speaking on the secret behind his longevity and good health, the monarch had in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, in December 2018, revealed that living in peace with his subjects and family and eating good food was the simple logic.
He had said, “The secret is very simple. I am a traditional ruler who is at peace with his people. As a father, I am at peace with my wife and children. I’m old so I eat good food. My father was a traditional ruler and he took very good care of me.
“I am from a very privileged family. I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth and that helped me a lot in life. I have a very successful family that has helped me a lot to think less and not to worry about anything; especially in my old age.
“The peace in my community is what has also helped me a lot to be enjoying my reign and old age.”
