The Owelle of Onitsha, Chief Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe, the first son of Nigeria’s first President, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, has been reported dead.

Sources in Awka, the Anambra State capital, told News Express that the former diplomat, who inherited the Owelle title upon his father’s death, died yesterday at Bromeo Hospital, Onitsha, aged 75. His father, the Great Zik of Africa, died 19 years ago – on May 11, 1996,

The Owelle is sixth in rank to the Obi of Onitsha, the paramount ruler of the famed commercial town.

Chief Chukwuma Azikiwe, whose death is yet to be officially announced due to tradition, is said to have battled a protracted respiratory-related ailment for years.

•Photo shows late Owelle Chukwuma Azikiwe.