from cradle, he showed a bright future, he had his early education at Nkporo Central School Nkporo between 1965 and 1974 where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). Young Innocent later moved to Lagos where he enrolled at Adekunle Commercial Secondary School Yaba Lagos for his high school education and passed out with GCE O-Level in 1976. As a promising striving young man, Eze Innocent O. Ude moved to acquire a professional skill in driving at Lagos Driving Institute in 1977. After his   graduation, he was employed by Leventis Stores and later by John Holts Companies where he worked as a senior Driver. The urge to excel made him to engage in petty trading  where he recorded remarkable success. His resilience, determination and business acumen captured the attention of his paternal uncle a business guru in Aba, Late Chief Iwola llum Mba, who invited him to join him in his Importation Business. Thus Onyeze relocated to Aba and was made the Company's Import Manager. This position took him to America as the Company's Representatives for successful several years before returning to Lagos to continue his personal trading business. Right from his early life, Onyeze showed and demonstrate sense of commitment and enthusiasm in the service of God and humanity. He was a devote Catholic Christian who did his best in support of the work of God both at home and beyond.  Onyeze served God and humanity in various capacities and was honoured with several awards. He was until his death, a 3rd Degree Brother of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria, sub council. Innocent O. Ude was a member of the Catholic Biblical Movement (CBM) of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Abia where he later became the Parish Council Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Catholic Men Organization (CMO). He was also the Patron, Ohafia Deanery Youth, Patron Ohafia Mary League Girls, Choir Master, Lay Reader, etc. Given his noble character, integrity, generosity and humility, Eze Innocent received several other awards including Ome-Ogo by Ladies of St. Mulumba (LSM) Nigeria, Father Per Excellence by CKC Abiriba, Nnaoha by Umuahia Diocesan Council of Catholic Men Organisation (UDCCMO). Other special awards came from St. James Catholic Parish Nkporo and The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ukwa Nkporo (Royal Priesthood) among numerous others. On 8th April 1989, HRH Eze Sir Nnaoha Innocent Otusi Ude (KSM) married his amiable and dear wife, Ugoeze Lady Florence Olanma Otusi Ude (LSM), former Miss Olanma Ogba of Etitiama Nkporo. The Holy matrimony was consummated at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish Aba, The marriage is blessed in all ramifications as it was a beautiful union defined by love and deep affection. As a devoted husband and father, Onyeze deeply loved and cherished his wife and family, always treating them as his greatest pride. In the social sphere, HRH Eze Sir Naoha Innocent Otusi Ude (KSM) remained a man of the people until his demise. He was an active and committed member of Ugwumba Age Grade of Obuofia Nkporo where he held sway as National Chairman until his call to eternal glory on Friday 25th. April 2025 at the Abia State Specialist and Diagnostic Hospital, Umuahia was once the Lagos Branch Chairman of Obuofia Nkporo Development Union (ONDU). Onyeze was also a great farmer. Onyeze was also a great farmer and served as the Chairman of Ohafia LGA Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society.
it is a truism that life is not all about how long but how well one lives. In the case of Onyeze, he lived a life of positive impact as can be seen in his efforts and contributions to community development, growth and progress. Onyeze in collaboration with the congregation of Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, Abia State Government and numerous members of his Community realized the establishment of the Mercy Nursery & Primary School Obuofia Nkporo and beyond, he was the Chairman PTA of the school until his death. he also played critical roles in the actualization and equipment of the Obuofia Nkporo Health Centre by the Abia State Government among other projects in the Community. When in the year 2000, Obuofia Nkporo Autonomous Community was created alongside others by the Abia State Government under the watch of His Excellency Dr. Orji Uzo Kalu (MON). HRH Eze Sir Nnaoha Innocent Otusi Ude (KSM) indicated interest in becoming the Traditional Ruler alongside other candidates. After all the screening processes, Onyeze emerged tops and became the Eze-Elect. He was subsequently recognized and given a Staff of Office by the then Governor Orji Uzor Kalt (MON) and assumed the title of IKUKU EJIRE 1 of Obuofia Nkporo Autonomous Community. He was an a member of Nkporo Council of Traditional Rulers, Ohafia LGA Council of Traditional Rulers, Arochukwu sub-Ohafia Traditional Rulers Forum, Abia North Council of Traditional Rulers and Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers where he served in various capacities. As a man of the people and Traditional Ruler of his Autonomous Community, Onyeze contributed immensely to the over all growth, development and progress of the community with his little resources. A man of peace, a good listener and formidable counsellor, his pieces of advice provided solutions to problems at any point in time. Indeed, his passion for anything concerning Obuofia Nkporo Autonomous Community was until his death unparalleled.
Again, Eze Innocent lived a life of his calling. He always stood for the truth, loved people around him and gave all that was within his reach to the service of his people. His inbuilt nobility made him a huge attraction to the community in and out of season. He will be fondly remembered for his amiable personality, accessibility and ever ready willingness to help out. That HRH Eze Sir Nnaoha Innocent Otusi Ude (KSM) lived an impactful and purposeful life is beyond debate. In his words "if you refuse to care for the next person today, you may be in their shoes tomorrow, learn to care". Oh! How are the Mighty fallen and the weapons of war perish (2 Samuel 1:27) Eze Innocent Ude's exit from planet earth is a colossal loss not only to the immediate and extended families but also to the entire people of Obuofia Nkporo in particular and Nkporo in general. Adieu lkuku Ejire 1 of Obuofia Nkporo Adieu Eze Gbaka Gbaka
Adieu Onyeze Kworo Ekwo
Adieu Oma-Uma Awu Ahu of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish Aba
Adieu Ji Olanma. Jee nke oma. Good Night Onyeze till we meet again at the marriage supper.