Arochukwu Set to Dazzle with Culture, Masquerades at the Ikeji-Aro 2025

With just six days to the highly anticipated Ekekpe day, which holds on the 26th of September 2025 at the Amaikpe Square, Obinkita Arochukwu LGA, various villages and cultural groups finalise elaborate preparations for entertainment, performances, and traditional displays aimed at clinching coveted Ikeji prizes.

Masquerades have already begun making appearances in some villages, drawing large, energetic crowds of youths and cultural enthusiasts. Social media platforms are abuzz with videos and updates from Arochukwu and Aro communities in the diaspora, such as Mbiabong, highlighting the flurry of pre-festival activities.

Today marks the sixth day in the festival countdown, we recall the 2024 experience, a day traditionally reserved for spiritual reflection and connection with the ancestors. One of the most significant rituals of Ikeji, the prayer and libation was seen in the picture being performed with solemnity and reverence.

The ceremony saw the head of Ezeagwu na Okwaraagwu Kindred, Mazi Okoroafor Uror, and the head of Ibom Isii Kindred, Mazi Amos Ngwu Egbu Okoro, leading prayers alongside Sir Dozie Udensi, President General of Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide, and Okey Imuoh, Special Assistant on Media to the Eze Aro.

Together, they offered prayers of thanksgiving to God and invoked the spirits of the ancestors, recognising their enduring role in guiding the Aro people and kingdom.

This year’s festival is particularly notable for the growing partnership between the Aro leadership and the Abia State Government through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. The collaboration aims to raise the cultural celebration to UNESCO-compliant tourism standards, positioning Arochukwu as a prime heritage destination for global tourists and culture lovers.

This is made possible by the visionary leadership of His Eminence, Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, whose dream of a bigger and more prosperous Aro Kingdom is steadily becoming a reality in just his second year on the ancient throne.