File:EZE ABRAHAM OKEZIE CHUKWUEMEKA AGBARIGBA EMEJI (1820-1929).jpg

English: EZE ABRAHAM OKEZIE CHUKWUEMEKA AGBARIGBA EMEJI (1820-1929)

Abraham OKEZIE Chukwuemeka, the first warrant Chief of Umuahia, who hail from Umuagu as Eze Umuagu, Ohuhu in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. being installed by the British in 18th Centuries. He was born into the prestigious Umu Obailaka family. The family had two sons at that time, named Chwuemeka and Nduka. This family was known for their enterprising nature, explaining why he had to start trading at a pretty young age. He was the first son of Chukwuemeka Agbarigba Emeji, while his mother’s name was Ejiginialu Chukwuemeka Emeji. Owing to the fact that marrying many wives was not forbidden, his father had up to four wives and these wives too, had children. On record though, his father had four sons, while his mother had two of them. He had females as well but their names and how many they were, were not covered in this research. The names of the sons in the family are; Okezie who happened to be the first son, Kanu his brother from the same mother, Agwu, Idika then finally Onuoha. As first son, he had a responsibility to take care of his younger ones.

As a young man he engaged in the normal activities his peers were involved in. He was very enterprising, charismatic and energetic. He was involved in hunting activities and joined the band of village warriors where he rose in ranks as the years went by as he was a powerful warrior, wielding his sword which he fondly called "Ogbuonyeoma" and special charms. He was already a leader from a young age, exerting his influence among peers. He soon developed an idea of becoming a businessman. The major produce in ancient Umuagu was palm oil and palm kernel which of course still remains a major business income source for the community. He also went into other businesses including slave trading and was well travelled, doing business majorly in the riverine areas of the present day Niger Delta.