Edwin Ume-Ezeoke was the ninth son of his father's fourteen sons and was born at Obiagu village, Amichi to Igwe Umeorimili Orji Ezeoke and Lolo Ugbana Umeorimili Ezeoke (later baptized and renamed Elizabeth). His father became a warrant chief in 1914 and held that position until his death on 23 June 1952. His mother was the daughter of Igwe Dim Oriaku Udensi of the present day Ihitenansa in present-day Imo State.
