Aro-Okeigbo Agog as Umu-Aro Gears Up for Ekekpe 2025 Grand Finale

The anticipated Ekekpe Aro-Okeigbo is just two days away and the entire Arochukwu kingdom is buzzing with cultural pride and festive energy. The Orie Egbugbu ceremony, held on Tuesday, marked a significant milestone in the lead-up to the grand finale of the annual Ikeji Aro-Okeigbo festival, with thanksgiving to God for a successful planting season.

While celebrations spilt into the evening at Amaikpe Square and various local joints, where Umuaro and guests mingled, relaxed, and soaked in the rich cultural atmosphere, the people looked forward to the 11th day of the Aro New Yam Calendar, which is the Afor Osu.

The ‘Osu’ meal (blood meal) prepared the previous day (on ‘Orie Egbugbu’) is now presented to friends and well-wishers on the ‘Afor Osu’ morning by women.
Visitors are also entertained with the delicacy.

Members of each family are summoned to the ‘Osu’ meal by the exclamation ‘AFOR OSU…OKO – O! The word ‘Okoo’ is an exclamation used by the Aro to signal an emergency. Afor Osu involves traditional rituals, ceremonies, or cultural events that promote unity and celebration among the Aro people.

Among the most anticipated highlights is the appearance of the Ajimegbo masquerade from Amuvi Uda. This rare and revered masquerade, known for its mystique and power, only emerges at major cultural events to pay homage to Aro ancestors and affirm loyalty to the kingdom’s leadership.

Speaking to our Newsleverage, Ikemba Ejiofor Ezeani, who is overseeing Amuvi village’s preparations, confirmed that “every single thing required to ensure a successful ceremony has been done.”

“The atmosphere is joyful, and security is solid across all levels. We are fully prepared,” he added.

While welcoming the people to Ikeji Aro-okeigbo 2025, the Chairman of Publicity in the Central Planning Committee of Ikeji-Aro 2025, Mazi Azubike Okoro, reiterated that the people are in high spirits and have a lot of expectations for the event this year.