By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The ancient city of Onitsha, the commercial nerve of Africa, Tuesday, welcomed the foremost American Anthropologist, Professor Richard Henderson, who has been preserving their oral history, shrines and photographs since 64 years ago.
The famous author lived in Onitsha from 1960-1962 during which he completed his thesis, witnessed the exit of the King ( Obi Okosi II) as well as gathered several data with which he projected the good image of the ancient city to the world.
Henderson, author of The King in Every Man, returned with his son -Michael Henderson, after 64 years as Special Guest of Obi of Onitsha for Ofala 2026.
According to a statement signed by Ofala Strategic Marketing & Communications Team on behalf of the Ofala Steering Committee, the author of the seminal book, The King in Every Man: Evolutionary Trends in Onitsha Ibo Society and Culture (1972), arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, from Tucson, Arizona.
"Professor Henderson, who lived among _Ndi-Onicha_ from 1960-62, is that rare onyeocha (Whiteman) who truly listened — learning our language and institutions from within, and giving the world the most authoritative account of what it means to be Onitsha: that kingship, eze, ozo, umunna, ogbe, and the spirit of ani are not relics, but a living system where every man carries the dignity of a king.
"His book remains not only foundational in Onitsha — respected in palaces and homes — but is also considered a primer on African anthropology. His continuing archive at amightytree.org, with Helen Henderson, preserves our photographs, shrines, iba, okpulukpu, and oral histories that might otherwise have been lost.
" Hence his name is invoked in Onitsha with unusual reverence for an outsider. Professor Henderson is en route to Onitsha as a special guest of His Majesty, Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, mni, Agbogidi, Obi of Onitsha, for Ofala 2026 scheduled to hold on October 16 & 17.
"He was received on arrival by a team from Ime Obi led by Chief Ben Epundu, Ijagwo Obi. The delegation included:- Ojinnaka Onyenyionwu, President, OIU Lagos;- Commander Tagbo, NDLEA Commander, MMIA," the statement added.