The Umuode Ikenna Nsulu Community in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State has announced the passing of its pioneer traditional ruler, HRH Eze Sir Ferguson Chimka Nwulu.
The revered monarch died at the age of 86 after ruling the community for 28 years.
According to a statement by the Publicity Committee, jointly signed by Uchenna Awom and Chido Nwakanma, the community and the Nwulu family have fixed his burial rites for 28 to 30 December 2025.
To ensure a befitting farewell, the community has set up a Burial Planning Committee. The committee is jointly led by Sir Chinedu Ugoezi Ugoala, a former Chairman of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government, and Chief Victor Arisa, the community’s Prime Minister.
Speaking on preparations, Ugoala announced that the Eke immediately preceding the burial would be dedicated to cultural activities in honour of the late monarch.
The 40-member committee draws representatives from across the Umunna Nsulu community in Isiala Ngwa North and will operate through ten subcommittees to plan the ceremonies.
Eze Nwulu was the first traditional ruler of the Umuode Ikenna Autonomous Community after its creation 25 years ago. Before then, he served as the community chief, succeeding his father, Chief Marcus Ajuzie Nwulu, who was appointed a warrant chief during the colonial era. His reign witnessed notable developmental strides, including the commencement of rural electrification and improvements to the community’s water supply.
Born into a family with a legacy of leadership, he began his early education at St. Thomas School, Umuosu, and St. George’s School, Nsawsi, between 1942 and 1949. He continued at Idi Oro Road Primary School in Lagos from 1952 to 1953 and later attended the Yaba Trade Centre Evening Class from 1954 to 1958, where he acquired technical skills that became the foundation of his career.
Eze Nwulu’s professional journey began at G. Cappa Ltd in Apapa, Lagos, where he served as an Assistant Storekeeper from 1956 to 1958. He later worked as an Assistant Inspector of Works at the Lagos Executive Development Board between 1959 and 1967. He undertook an industrial attachment with Dane Group of Companies Ltd in London, where he refined his technical and managerial abilities.
On his return to Nigeria, he became a Manager at S.P.A.N. Group of Companies in Port Harcourt from 1968 to 1971 before relocating to Aba. In 1979, he established Fermit and Sons Associates (Nigeria) Ltd, a company registered with the Federal Ministry of Works. Through the firm, he generated employment opportunities, mentored young professionals, and contributed significantly to infrastructure development in the region.
The late monarch is survived by many children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews. His surviving children are Mrs Francisca Nwulu-Ohanele, Mrs Joy Nwulu-Ijeoma, Mrs Blessing Nwulu Njoku, and Prince Chukwudubem Chimka Nwulu.
His surviving brothers include Mr Leonard Okechukwu Nwulu, Architect Emmanuel Nwulu, Mr Herbert Nwulu, Sir Dr Steve Nwulu, and Mr Victor Nwulu. His surviving sisters are Rev. Mother Assumpta Nwulu, Ugoeze Rebecca Ogonnaya Emelogu, Adanne Nwulu, Mrs Anayo Nwulu-Osuji, and Evangelist Mercy Chinasa Nwulu.
The community described Eze Nwulu as a visionary leader whose legacy of service, development, and unity will remain enduring.
