He is a member of the Nnofo Royal lineage and the successor to his father Igwe Orizu I (Eze Ugbonyamba) , He was the first Igwe to officially become a Christian,[4] although the traditional rulers of Nnewi are the ofo holders and as such, preservers and upholders of Nnewi culture and traditions.
Igwe Josiah Orizu had strong missionary upbringing as ward to the Late Reverend Ibeneme of Obosi.
[3] During his reign, Igwe Josiah Orizu II set out with courage to work out a programme of community development.
Igwe Orizu II was elected to the Eastern House of chiefs in 1959 the eve of Nigeria's Independence.
[5] Until his death in 1962, Josiah Orizu leaves behind to mourn him 15 wives, 61 sons, 72 daughters and 107 grandchildren.