Ezo Ukandu

Ezo Ukandu (June 15, 1936 - January 8, 2024) was a Nigerian traditional ruler who held the title of Enyi-na-Obiangwu of the Imenyi Ancient Kingdom for 48 years. He served as a Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers and was the first Chairman of the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers. He established a Deta Batteries manufacturing facility with distribution networks in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.

He participated in the founding of Abia State University, Uturu and later served as a director of the university's micro finance bank. In November 2019, he was appointed to a four-member committee tasked with developing selection procedures for new leadership of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, following its dissolution by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Ukandu was appointed by Olusegun Obasanjo as a National Royal Ambassador representing the Southeast in the National Peace Forum.

Scholarships In the 1990s, Ukandu founded the Ukandu Scholarship Scheme which provides provides funding for domestic and international education. Selection criteria include academic performance and community service engagement.

Honours and awards Academic honors Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, Abia State University (1994) Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, Evangel Christian University (United States)

Professional memberships Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Sales Management (FNISM)

Religious recognition Knight of St. Christopher (KSC), Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion

Civil appointment Justice of Peace

Ukandu is set to be depicted in The Chronicles of Enyimba, an upcoming series about the history of Aba, a commercial center in Abia State, Nigeria. The Chronicles of Enyimba, in pre-production as of 2024, is structured as a two-season series with 40 episodes, focusing on the commercial development of Aba in the post-Nigerian Civil War period. The series plans to include depictions of Ukandu and other business figures from the era.

Death Ukandu died on January 8, 2024, at the age of 87. His funeral was scheduled for November 14–17, 2024, in Ahaba Imenyi Ancient Kingdom, Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. The announced program included a procession to Isuikwuato Local Government Headquarters and lying in state at Imenyi Royal Palace on November 14 and the funeral service and interment on November 15. The funeral proceedings would be concluded with an outing service on November 17.