His Majesty, Igwe Ambassador Dr. Lawrence Okolio Chikezie (LOC) Agubuzu, is widely regarded as a distinguished diplomat, scholar and traditional ruler whose career spans decades of public service in Nigeria and across Africa.
Born on October 27, 1942, in Awene Village, Ezema Olo, in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Agubuzu’s life has been marked by academic excellence, diplomatic accomplishment and community leadership.
Early Education and Academic Excellence
Igwe Agubuzu began his educational journey at St. Joseph’s Primary School, Olo Town, where he graduated in 1955 at the top of his class. He later earned a First-Class degree in Political Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1967, graduating as a prize winner.
He pursued postgraduate studies up to the doctoral level at several institutions, including the University of Lagos (1980–1981), Howard University in Washington, D.C. (1982–1984), and the University of Besançon in France (1987). He is fluent in Igbo, English and French.
Diplomatic and Professional Career
Before attending university, Agubuzu worked as a primary school teacher. Following his graduation from UNN, he joined the Nigerian Foreign Service as a career diplomat, serving from 1971 to 1996.
During his diplomatic career, he held several key positions, including:
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Ambassador of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York, serving as Deputy Permanent Representative (1989–1991);
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High Commissioner (Ambassador) to Zambia with concurrent accreditation to Malawi (1991–1999);
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Assistant Secretary-General of the former Organization of African Unity (OAU) and later Commissioner of the African Union (1999–2003).
Political Appointment
Agubuzu also served as Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters in the former Anambra State between 1984 and 1986, contributing to governance and grassroots development during that period.
Traditional and Community Leadership
In 2006, he ascended the throne as the Traditional Ruler of Ezema Olo Kingdom. Since then, he has played a prominent role in traditional leadership structures within Enugu State and the South-East region.
His leadership roles include:
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Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers (2013–2023);
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South-East Delegate to the 2014 National Conference;
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First Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (2015–2021);
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First Chancellor, Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State (2021 to date);
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Chairman, South-East Council of Traditional Rulers (from August 1, 2022 to date).
Legacy and Public Service
Igwe Agubuzu is often described by associates as a man of courage, wisdom and vast administrative experience. Over the years, he has participated in several state-level committees, contributing to policy discussions on social welfare, child rights implementation and boundary matters.
Though not always in the public spotlight, his decades of service in diplomacy, governance and traditional leadership have had a lasting impact on his community, Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
His career reflects a blend of academic achievement, international engagement and grassroots leadership — a trajectory that underscores a lifelong commitment to public service and nation-building.
