The young James was the second and only surviving son of his father who by his position as eldest son of Isigwu clan, held the title of Ezeofor of Alor  which is currently in Idemmili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Chief Ezenweobodo Ukatu died in October 1919, seven short months after the birth of his son James who was now left in the custody of his mother and some concerned  relations. 

With the advent of Christianity and the wave of the gospel that was sweeping across Igbo land at that time, the child was later dedicated to God by his father, who hitherto, was not a Christian, as religion in those days was largely centered on one's traditional practices. A very spiritually sensitive man, Ukatu was touched by the Holy Spirit, and ushered in Christianity into his household, starting with his children. Okoye Ukatu was baptized in the Anglican Communion, and christened James.The child's name was thus, James Okoye Ukatu.

Because of the early death of his father, the young James could not go to school until he was 14 years of age. While staying with his godfather Inspector Godfrey Udoka, he attended the New Baptist Primary School, Onitsha and passed standard 6. The little education he received  enabled him enormously in his later pursuits in life. He is proficient in recalling past events with facts and figures. 

James Okoye Ukatu had two elder sisters and an elder brother. His eldest sister was Nwaghara. After her was Ugoagbara, another female. Then came the third child and first son, Okonkwo, and after his birth, was the birth of Okoye. The last child was Okafor, who was the only younger sibling to Okoye. He was male. Ukatu was thus, blessed with two girls and three boys.

Within a short time, the Ukatu family had grown from only him and his wife, to additional five lovely children, Ukatu who was also well known by his 'Ozo' title name, Ezenwobodo, was a renowned farmer. He had taken after his father, Ikediogwgwu (or lkediogwu), himself, a renowned farmer. Ukatu was very fond of his mother, Uzoma; a fondness he also continued with his wife, Nwanyi Oye, who was from the nearby settlement of Anakwelosiswe of Nkwelle Ani in same Umuoshi, Alor.

Through the help of his godfather, Udoka he was articled to a textile merchant, late Lazarus Omengboji who trained him intensively fora period of six months. After the training, Inspector Udoka gave him the capital and the necessary support to start his own textile trade in the same 1944 a year after he left primary school.

In 1947, thieves struck and made away with all his goods including his little cash at hand. He was virtually left with nothing at that particular point in time, Inspector Udoka raised some money for him to start all over again. As an industrious young man, he worked hard and was able to pay back the money given to him by his godfather in 1950.

In 1951 Mr. J. O. Ukatu got married to the young and lovely Christiana Chinwe Olisaegbo of Umuokwu village, also in Alor. His young wite went for post-marital training for three years under the maternal care for her late godmother, Mrs. Constance Oyeka. The marriage was solemnized on the 24th of December 1953. After the solemnization, the fruit of the womb was not forthcoming for a long time precisely 10 years. After having waited patiently on the Lord, the couple was blessed with seven children but unfortunately, one died. Today, they are blessed with 12 grandchildren and two daughters-in-law. Praise the Lord!!!

Chief James O. Ukatu, to the glory of God is the first Christian Ezeofor of Alor by virtue of his position as the eldest of his clan Isigwu kindred, Umuoshi Village, Alor (all his predecessors were pagans). He always stands for the truth and because of his trustworthiness; he has been the treasurer of his kindred for so many years. He is also the incumbent secretary of his age grade Chizolu Age Grade, Alor. He is kind and generous to a fault. He has been strong influence and inspiration to lives that are opportune to meet him.

Mrs. Christlana C. Ukatu (nee Olisaegbo) was born in 1934 at Alor, Idemlli South Local Government Area of Anambra State. She is the second daughter of Chief Olisaegbo in a family of four children. As a young girl, Christiana lived at Onitsha with her late uncle, Mr. Lazarus Omengboji. The young James met his wife when he was learning textile trade with his wife's uncle, Mr. Lazarus Omengboji.

The couple's life history cannot be complete without mentioning the fact that they have been wonderful and loving parents, not only to their children but also to many others. Their dedication to the things of God is quite commendable and worth emulating. Their hard work, patience, in spite of all odds, and commitment to their responsibilities are qualities which have endeared them to many.

EZE OFOR THE GREAT

The Eze Ofor title is the natural inheritance of the oldest man in Isigwu. By biological right, Isigwu is the first son of Alor, so exercises kinship and leadership rights over others. as a result, the oldest person in Isigwu is recognized as the ancestral leader and father of the entire Alor.

As the leader and first son of Alor, Isigwu is vested with certain responsibilities that include handling issues regarding abominations, verification of facts and other critical practices that are required by tradition

In 2003, Ezenwa was installed as the Eze Ofor of Alor, making him the Ancestral Head of the town.

LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS AS EZE OFOR

• He abolished fetish masquerades in Alor.
• He stopped the practice of fetish rites for abominations that were committed.
• He instituted Christian practices as ordained by the Bible in the cleansing abominations, as replacement for the old order in which fetish methods were used to cleanse abominations in Alor
• He established a strong system for the resolution of crisis and disputes.
• In reflection of his peaceful nature, Ezenwa facilitated unprecedented
• The Igwe (King) of Alor will pay homage to him during Breaking of Kola, Iwa Ji (New Yam. Festival), etc.
• He is the first to eat yam before others in Alor eat yam during the New Yam Festival.
• He has to present the new yam in the town's market, known as Nkwo Alor' before others do so in the market and officially start giving and receiving it as gifts or under business transactions. This is called "Ikpo Ji."

AWARDS, HONOURS AND RECOGNITIONS

Ezenwa has been honored numerously by reputable organizations and groups. Every Kindred in Alor has come to solve or resolve their traditional rite differences through him.

Of primary importance to him, is the Eze Ofor title, to which he is the custodian. The Ezeofor title is an elevation in position and regard, with the title comes with the responsibility of being the custodian , Which bestows the following  privileges which includes:

Ezenwa has been distinguished and exemplary as the Ezeofor of Alor. He has achieved several landmarks over time, setting and example to all the generations to come, and they will forever appreciate. 

He has not be bought over or been influence by something that is not true or in line with traditional rite.

He is committed to humanity,empowerment widows and less privilege. 

A FULFILLED LIFE

Ezenwa has been blessed by God in innumerable ways. A good name has once again, been proven to be better than riches, as exemplified by Ezenwa's life and the rewards that Providence has bestowed on him. Very jovial and gracious, his spirit lights up the saddest of hearts in Alor, and communing with him will not leave anyone in doubt that a life committed to God and good deeds is the best decision one can take and put into practice while on earth.

He had grown from the little baby in 1918 to the centenarian of reference that he is now, in 2018, with one hundred vears of excellence for posterity, and still counting. Life has not been a bed roses, and like any other human being, he underwent his days of trials during his youthful days as a businessman and afterwards.

The departure of his parents and siblings, the loss of his business capital, the sad demise of his wife, a stroke, eye problem that led to surgery and several other low moments existed, but victory was also secured in the end, through the Grace of God. He is the only surviving member of the family of his parents. His parents have naturally passed on, and his eldest sister, Nwagbra, lived a long fulfilled life as well, with her departure at the age of one hundred and three years. His elder sister, Ugoagbara also lived long and happy, dying at the age of ninety six years. His elder brother, Okonkwo, did not live as long as his sisters, as he lost the battle to a tetanus infection many years ago, and so did his younger brother, Okafor, who died of hepatitis, shortly after also losing his goods to another fire disaster in Onitsha market. He was unmarried as at the time of his death.