The Royal Profile
A Life of Professional Excellence and Service
His Royal Majesty, Igwe Engr. Sir Augustine Chinedu Emelobe, is the EzeOkpoko II of Oba Ebo-Itenani Ancient Kingdom, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State. A first-class Chemical Engineering graduate of the University of Benin, he built an extensive professional career in Nigeria's oil and gas industry before bringing his experience in engineering, project management, operations, corporate governance and community development to traditional leadership.
His journey represents a distinctive bridge between professional excellence, indigenous enterprise, Christian faith, cultural stewardship and the responsibility of serving the people of Oba.
Biography
From Chemical Engineering to the Royal Throne
Igwe Augustine Chinedu Emelobe graduated with First Class Honours in Chemical Engineering from the University of Benin in 1986. He began his professional career with the National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria (NAFCON) at Onne before joining Chevron Nigeria Limited in 1990.
During his Chevron career, he held progressively senior positions across design and construction engineering, facilities engineering, project management, construction management, terminal operations, joint venture operations and major capital projects. His professional experience also included a period with Chevron USA in New Orleans.
His career developed from technical engineering responsibilities into senior operational and executive leadership, giving him broad experience in project execution, facilities, oil and gas operations, corporate engagement and major capital investment.
Beyond multinational corporate service, he became involved in indigenous enterprise and community-focused institutions. He joined the Board of Oba Microfinance Bank Limited in 2011 and became Chairman of its Board of Directors in 2019.
A reign built on experience, service, unity, development and the preservation of Oba's heritage.
HRM Igwe Augustine Chinedu Emelobe, EzeOkpoko II
Professional Excellence
A Distinguished Engineering & Leadership Career
Engineering & Project Management
His professional career spans engineering design, facilities engineering, corrosion engineering, construction, project management, onshore operations, terminal operations and major capital projects.
- Design and Construction Engineering
- Facilities and Corrosion Engineering
- Project and Construction Management
- Onshore and Terminal Operations
- Joint Venture Operations
- Major Capital Projects
Professional Recognition
His professional standing has been reinforced by engineering registration, professional affiliations and recognition for performance during his corporate career.
- COREN-registered engineer
- Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers
- Member of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers
- Professional exposure in the United States
- Chevron Corporate Chairman's Award for Superior Performance and Engagement, 2007
The Journey
From Professional Leadership to the Oba Throne
1986
First Class Chemical Engineering Graduate
Graduated from the University of Benin with First Class Honours in Chemical Engineering.
1986–1990
Early Professional Career
Began his engineering career with the National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria (NAFCON) at Onne.
1990
Joined Chevron Nigeria Limited
Entered Chevron as a Design and Construction Engineer, beginning a long career of progressively senior engineering and management roles.
1990s–2000s
Senior Engineering & Operations Leadership
Worked across facilities engineering, project management, construction, operations, terminal activities and major capital projects, including professional experience in Chevron USA.
2007
Chevron Corporate Recognition
Received the Chevron Corporate Chairman's Award for Superior Performance and Engagement.
2011
Oba Microfinance Bank
Joined the Board of Oba Microfinance Bank Limited, extending his professional leadership into indigenous financial and community enterprise.
2019
Board Chairman
Became Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oba Microfinance Bank Limited.
15 March 2025
Elected EzeOkpoko II of Oba
Emerged from the Oba traditional-rulership election with 1,481 votes and began a new chapter of service to the ancient kingdom.
2025–Present
A New Era of Traditional Leadership
His reign has emphasised unity, security, youth empowerment, education, land administration, cultural preservation and community development.
Vision & Governance
Pillars of His Reign
Unity & Peace
His leadership places strong emphasis on reconciliation, unity and collective responsibility following the prolonged vacancy and disagreements surrounding the Oba traditional institution.
Youth Empowerment
His administration promotes skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and practical opportunities for young people, including initiatives associated with the Oba Skill Acquisition Multi-Trade Innovation Hub.
Education & Human Capital
He advocates investment in education, skills and human capital, including a long-term vision for higher educational institutions that can benefit Oba and future generations.
Land Administration
His administration introduced the Oba Customary Land Tribunal as a customary framework intended to help address land-related disputes, while remaining subject to Nigeria's formal judicial system.
Culture & Tradition
Through the Ofala, coronation and Ushiojioku/New Yam celebrations, he has placed cultural preservation and the renewal of Oba's traditional identity at the heart of his reign.
Community Development
His development agenda includes attention to healthcare, infrastructure, sanitation, security, economic opportunity and the broader welfare of the people.
Building the Kingdom
Key Initiatives & Milestones
Oba Customary Land Tribunal
A customary dispute-resolution structure announced to help address ancestral and customary land matters, including ownership, boundaries, inheritance and related disputes.
Youth Skills & Empowerment
Promotion of multi-trade skills, entrepreneurship, digital technology, renewable energy, engineering and other practical areas aimed at improving opportunities for Oba's young people.
Maiden Ofala & Coronation
His maiden Ofala and coronation ceremony in January 2026 marked a major cultural milestone in the consolidation of his reign.
A Development-Oriented Reign
His early reign has focused on creating institutions and programmes capable of strengthening unity, security, human capital, economic participation and cultural continuity.
Faith & Service
Christian Faith and Public Leadership
Faith as a Foundation
Christian faith forms an important part of Igwe Emelobe's public identity. In his published testimony, he describes his journey and leadership through a strong spiritual perspective.
Service to the People
His approach to traditional leadership combines professional discipline with a stated commitment to peace, development, cultural stewardship and the welfare of the people of Oba.
The Royal Institution
EzeOkpoko II and the Oba Traditional Institution
The emergence of Igwe Augustine Chinedu Emelobe followed a prolonged period without a substantive traditional ruler in Oba after the death of the late Igwe P. C. Ezenwa (EzeOkpoko I). The succession process went through competing interests and an earlier disputed process before a fresh election was conducted on 15 March 2025 with government participation.
Emelobe emerged with 1,481 votes from delegates representing the nine villages of Oba. He was subsequently recognised by the Anambra State Government as the traditional ruler of Oba.
As EzeOkpoko II, his public agenda has increasingly centred on building unity, strengthening customary institutions, developing human capital, protecting cultural heritage and creating opportunities for the next generation.
From engineering and corporate leadership to the royal institution of Oba, the story of EzeOkpoko II is one of professional experience brought into the service of community, culture and future generations.
HRM Igwe Engr. Sir Augustine Chinedu Emelobe
EzeOkpoko II of Oba Ebo-Itenani Ancient Kingdom
