In the 19th century, Nwagboka was born in the city of Onitsha in southeastern Nigeria. She was born to Isagba Okwuona (her father) of Ogbendida Village and NgbokwaAmasinwa Okigbo (her mother) of nearby Ojota. Uzoka Egwuatu – an immigrant from Ogbeoti village – married Nwagboka. Her husband had two residences (located at Igala and Onitsha). Herself and her son (Egwuatu) lived in Onitsha. It is said that she bought the Ozo title for her son and also gave him ten wives.
Nwagboka became a very successful and wealthy trader after she had completed her trading apprenticeship. She had Igala connections and she sold elephant tusks to European traders. During this period, Ivory was believed to be very lucrative. It was estimated that in two consignments of ivory Nwagboka shipped overseas, she made £10,000. She used some of the proceeds to help people.
In 1884, Nwagboka was appointed as Omu by the Obi of Onitsha (Obi Anazonwu). She had her own ofo and it seems an abani (royal Benin-style staff) also. Omu Nwagboka Egwuatu happened to be the only Omu (Queen) of Onitsha till date. Nwagboka became a Christian. As a Christian convert, she was a substantial influence on the Obi as she would close the market on Sundays.
In 1886, she had a dispute with Obi Anazonwu. After the dispute, she ordered the women to boycott their husbands. This was intended “to remind the community that no society can function without the duties and tasks performed by its women.”
In 1886, Nwagboka died. After her death, no successor was named to the omu-ship, and since then Onitsha has only had a male monarch.
