The Arochukwu ancient kingdom in Abia State has fixed Saturday, July 27, 2024, to formally celebrate the crowning of His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji as the Eze Aro IX.
Following his selection by the Arochukwu kingmakers and traditional crowning, Dr Eberechuwku Oji, a renowned engineer, top player in the oil & gas industry, and an anointed minister of the gospel, was presented his Staff of Office and Certificate of Recognition on January 26, 2024, by the Abia State Government, at a formal but brief ceremony in Umuahia.
Six months after, the President-General of Nzuko Arochukwu, Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, has confirmed that the community is set to celebrate the coronation of its monarch, the grandson of the legendary Eze Aro, His Majesty Mazi Kanu Oji (now deceased) who reigned on the throne for an unprecedented period of 73 years.
The ceremony, which will feature the finest of Aro culture and tradition, will play host to dignitaries from all walks of life, traditional rulers, government officials, politicians, captains of industries, business entrepreneurs and associates to confirm the maxim that “Arochukwu is the home of culture and tradition in Igbo land”.
Mazi Udensi said the ceremony will be elaborate with global attention, adding that already several top personalities have confirmed their attendance.
To pay homage to one of its own, the traditional institution in Nigeria will be led by the venerable Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.
Udensi added that Arochukwu indigenes including the numerous Arochukwu Diaspora communities – both at home and abroad – are eagerly in the mood to celebrate the crowning of their monarch, in whom they repose much respect and hope.
He specifically said that events lined up for the ceremony – which spans four days – will climax on July 27, at the Historic Civic Centre in Oror Village, commencing at 11am.
It would, however, be preceded by an Interdenominational Dedication Church Service at the Aggrey Memorial Primary School field in Ibom Village on July 25, 2024.
A special lecture will be delivered by the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, and chaired by the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Professor Maxwell Ogbulu, on same day at the prestigious Alpha Plus Hotel in Amuvi Village, by 2pm.
On Day 2, July 26, Mazi Udensi said the community will stage a cultural festival at its traditional events centre – Amaikpe Aro – in Obinkita Village.
It will be followed by a special coronation dinner at Alpha Plus Hotel under the chairmanship of Barr Benbella Anachebe (SAN).
The coronation ceremony, in which Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti and his wife Priscilla are special guests, will climax on Saturday, July 27, at the Arochukwu Civic Centre in Oror Village, under the chairmanship of Dr Joyce Nkemakolam.
The ceremony will be concluded on Sunday, July 28, with a Thanksgiving Church Service.
The National Coronation Celebration Council (NCCC), in a statement jointly signed by Prof Steve Amaramiro (Chairman), Mazi Anicho Okoro, (Secretary) and Dr Azubike Okoro, (Chair, Publicity) said:
“The Arochukwu Traditional Council, Nzuko Aro World-wide and National Coronation Celebration Council invite all Aro sons and daughters – at home and the Diaspora – and the general public to the celebration marking the coronation of the 9th Eze Aro of Aro Kingdom, His Eminence, Dr Eze Eberechukwu Oji.”
The NCCC added: “Come and experience the festivity! Be part of history. Witness the celebration of our king and be a part of defining a future filled with harmony, prosperity, and renaissance.”
