Chief Celestine Obi was born in 1955 in Onitsha, Nigeria, he was born to the union of Leonard Obi and Sarah Obi. He was raised in Onitsha, Nigeria, and started his education at Dennis Memorial Grammar School. After graduation, Celestine embraced love for education and wanted to further his education. In 1981, with the help of his cousin, Chris Emeka Uzowulu he secured admission at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma and moved to the United States. Chief Celestine eventually settled in Florida, where he met and later married his loving wife of 35 years, LoLo Shonda Obi. Together they raised their blended family and began a successful and respected business in the Tampa Bay area.

For over 20 years, Chief Celestine Obi expertly served as the founder and CEO of the well-known Bay area contracting company, Global 360 Painting. In addition to his success as an entrepreneur and business owner, Chief Celestine had a passion for working with, mentoring and encouraging young people to embrace knowledge and higher education. Chief and Lolo Obi were the founding members, President and First Lady of the Anambra State Association of Central Florida. A non-profit organization that represents and advocates for people from and/or associated with the Anambra State, Nigeria that still exists to date.

In 2025 in Tampa, Florida, Chief Celestine Obi unexpectedly transitioned to walk with the Ndi-Ogbodo and to be with the Lord. He is survived by and will be truly missed by his best friend and loving wife of 35 years, LoLo Shonda Obi; children, Jade Obi, Leonard Obi, Jonathan Ross (Tiara), Jeremy Ross, Brandon Ross, & PJ; siblings, Ngozi Onyekaba nee Obi, Chinenye Obi, Nwamaka Offornedu nee Obi, and Ifeyinwa Obi; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Mr. & Mrs. Obie N. Henry, Sr., Psalmist Ka' Henry, Vinda Woodson, Obie N. Henry, Jr. (Tarisa), Joseph Henry (Marlo), Tywana Henry, and Candace Henry (Lebon Nicholas).

Chief Obi was preceded in transition and will be met in paradise by his parents, his two brothers, and his daughter. His burial will be in Onitsha, Nigeria. Chief Celestine Obi & LoLo Shonda Obi loved the mornings.