Arochukwu Kingdom, Abia State, is today flagging off events lined up to celebrate the coronation of His Eminence, Dr Eberechukwu Oji as Eze Aro IX, at which President Bola Tinubu is listed as the Chief Guest of Honour, and Dr Alex Otti as the Distinguished Host.
The ceremony specifically starts with an Interdenominational Dedication Church Service holding at Aggrey Memorial Primary School, Ibom Village, by 11am.
Later at 2pm, a Special Coronation Lecture will be delivered by the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, at the prestigious Alpha Plus Hotel, Amuvi Village. The distinguished audience will be chaired by the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Prof Onyemaechi Maxwell Ogbulu.
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 kingdom is set to celebrate the coronation of its monarch, providentially 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.
They include Distinguished Guests of Honour: Senate President, Obong Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
Special Guests of Honour: Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, as well as the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Dr Nkeiru Onyejeocha.
To pay homage to one of their own, Guest Royal Fathers certain to attend the celebration will be led by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Dr Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II.
Also on the expected entourage are: HRM Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe; His Eminence, Nteyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, Okun Ibom Ibibio; HRM Eze (Dr) Eammanuel C. Okeke (Eze Udo II of Amaifeke Ancient Kingdom); HRM John Odogbo Elaigwu, Ochi ldoma; HRH Alhaji Umar Adamu Sanda, Gangwari Ganye; MRM, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Igwe Ogadagidi Enugu; HRM, Oba (Dr) Adekunle Adeagbo, Oore of Otun Ekiti; HRM Alaiyeluwa, Oba (Dr) Babatunde Ola Ogunlaja, the Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom; and HRH, Oba Sule Idiaye, Imah of Somorika.
Others are HRH, Mohammed Sanusi Maiyamba, Mai Tangele; HRH, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Yakubu Li, Ejeh Ankpa; HRH, Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed Asha, Emir of Kaura Namuda, and HRH, Alhaji Bashir Ismaila, Emir of Moriki.
Mazi 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.
Tomorrow July 26 will feature a Cultural Festival commencing 11am at Amaikpe Square, Obinkita Village, with His Eminence Eze Aro, Dr Eberechukwu Oji as the Royal Host.
At 8pm on the same day, Sir Benbella Anachebe (SAN) is billed to chair the Coronation Dinner at the Alpha Plus Hotel.
The National Coronation Celebration Council (NCCC), in a statement jointly signed by Prof Steve Ahamefula Amaramiro (Chairman), Mazi Anicho Okoro, (Secretary) and Dr Azubike Okoro, (Chair, Publicity), said the celebration will climax on Saturday, July 27, at the Arochukwu Civic Centre in Oror Village, starting 11am under the chairmanship of Dr Joyce Nkemakolam.
The ceremony will be rounded off on Sunday, July 28, with a Thanksgiving Church Service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Arochukwu, by 9am.
The NCCC continued: “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.”
It 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.”
