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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha Umuahia
All is set for the celebration of the second coronation anniversary of Dr. Eberechukwu Oji as the Eze Aro IX of Arochukwu Kingdom, Abia State.
He was selected on October 18, 2023, as the ninth Eze Aro of Arochukwu, having been certified by the kingmakers as fit and suitable to lead the ancient kingdom. The Abia State Government issued him a Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office on January 26, 2024, authenticating his selection and crowning as a First Class monarch.
His ascension to the throne was marked with a world-class ceremony in July 2024.
Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, traditional rulers, captains of industry, academics and foreign nationals attended the first anniversary event on July 26, 2025.
To mark the two-year milestone, the leadership of the ancient kingdom has lined up events for a five-day celebration, which begins on July 22, 2026.
Specifically, Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide, with the endorsement of the royal palace, has extended invitations to Arochukwu indigenes the world over, their guests, friends of the ancient kingdom, traditional institutions across the country, community leaders, policymakers, and industry titans to grace the occasion. Already, feelers indicate that thousands of people are gearing up to be a part of the celebration.
Chairman of the publicity team, Dr. Azubike Okoro, announced in a statement that the celebration will commence on July 22 with an Open Air Crusade and Medical Outreach at the Aggrey Primary School, Ibom Village.
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He said the ceremony draws its theme from the activities of Mary Slessor in the ancient kingdom. Her Library Project would be formally launched on July 23 in honour of her enduring legacies and her remarkable contributions to the evangelisation, education, and social transformation of Arochukwu Kingdom. In the evening of the same day, Coronation Anniversary Lecture/Dinner shall hold at Alpha Plus Hotel, Amuvi, Arochukwu. During the occasion, the lecture delivered by Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze at the University of Berkeley, San Francisco, USA in May 2026, on ‘Reclaiming African Civilisational Voices: The Arochukwu Renaissance and the future of indigenous knowledge in a global information age’ shall be reviewed and discussed by eminent Arochukwu scholars and experts, including Mazi Ernie Onwumere, Dr. Oji Ogbonnaya Oji, and Dr. Azubike Okoro.
He added that in the schedule of events, July 24 is reserved for courtesy visits and Royal audience, during which Arochukwu Diaspora communities and representatives of the 19 Aro homeland villages would collectively pay a royal homage to His Eminence.
Chairman, National Coronation Anniversary Celebration Council, Mazi Uche Okoro, while providing additional information, said that the grand finale – Coronation
Anniversary Celebration – is scheduled to be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Arochukwu iconic Civic Centre, Oror Village. It would be chaired by the Group CEO of NESTOIL, Dr. Ernest Azidialu Obiejesi, and guests would be treated to a five-star entertainment to be provided by diverse cultural groups.
Above all, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji will deliver what is expected to be a state of the kingdom address, reviewing his two years on the royal throne, and laying out future perspectives for the kingdom. The celebration would be rounded off on Sunday, July 26, with coronation anniversary thanksgiving service to be held by 10am at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Amannagwu.
It is expected that during the church service, Arochukwu people and their guests will give gratitude to God for a successful anniversary, and seek continued divine guidance for the kingdom and its leadership.
Already, communities neighbouring Arochukwu Kingdom have indicated their preparedness to join in the celebrations. Mazi Dozie Udensi, President-General of Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide, who chairs the association of communities in Arochukwu Local Government Area, has always insisted on using available opportunities to forge bonds and create synergy which will positively impact growth amongst Aro LGA communities.
Accordingly, he extended open invitation, thus: “We seize this opportunity to invite all sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom, all our neighbouring communities in Aro LGA, Aro Diaspora communities, as well our friends all over the world, to join us in celebrating our revered monarch as he marks second year on the ancient throne.”
