Arochukwu Kingdom Set for Second Coronation Anniversary Celebration of Eze Aro Eberechukwu Oji

PRESS RELEASE

All is now set for the celebration of the second coronation anniversary of His Eminence, Engr. Dr Eberechukwu Oji, 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. He was subsequently recognised by the Abia State Government, which presented him with a Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office on January 26, 2024, formally affirming his position as a First-Class traditional ruler.

His ascension to the throne was marked by a world-class ceremony in July 2024. The first coronation anniversary celebration, held on July 26, 2025, was attended by the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, traditional rulers, captains of industry, academics and foreign dignitaries.

To mark the two-year milestone, the leadership of the ancient kingdom has lined up a series of events for a five-day celebration beginning on July 22, 2026. Specifically, Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide, with the endorsement of the Royal Palace, has extended invitations to Arochukwu indigenes across the world, their guests, friends of the ancient kingdom, traditional institutions across the country, community leaders, policymakers and captains of industry to grace the occasion.

Already, indications are that thousands of people are preparing to participate in 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 Aggrey Primary School, Ibom Village.

According to him, the theme of the celebration draws inspiration from the activities and enduring legacy of Mary Slessor in the ancient kingdom. The Mary Slessor Library Project will be formally launched on July 23 in honour of her remarkable contributions to evangelism, education, and the social transformation of the Arochukwu Kingdom.

In the evening of the same day, the Coronation Anniversary Lecture and Dinner will be held at Alpha Plus Hotel, Amuvi, Arochukwu.

During the occasion, the lecture delivered by His Eminence, Dr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro IX, at
the University of California, Berkeley, San Francisco Bay Area, USA, in May 2026, titled “Reclaiming African Civilizational Voices: The Arochukwu Renaissance and the Future of
Indigenous Knowledge in a Global Information Age,” will be reviewed and discussed by eminent Arochukwu scholars and experts, including Mazi Ernie Onwumere, Dr Oji Ogbonnaya Oji and Dr Azubike Okoro.

Dr Okoro added that, according to the schedule of events, July 24 has been reserved for courtesy visits and royal audience, during which Arochukwu diaspora communities and representatives of the 19 Aro homeland villages will collectively pay royal homage to His Eminence.

Providing additional information, the Chairman of the National Coronation Anniversary Celebration Council, Mazi Barr. Uche Okoro, said the grand finale of the Coronation Anniversary
Celebration is scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the iconic Arochukwu Civic Centre, Oror Village.

The event will be chaired by Mazi Stephen Okafor Obiora, while guests will be treated to first-class entertainment featuring performances by diverse cultural groups.

Above all, His Eminence, Dr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro IX, will deliver what is expected to be a major state-of-the-kingdom address, reviewing his first two years on the royal throne and outlining future perspectives and priorities for the kingdom.

The celebration will be rounded off on Sunday, July 26, with a Coronation Anniversary Thanksgiving Service scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Amannagwu.

During the church service, Arochukwu people and their guests are expected to give thanks to God for a successful anniversary celebration and seek continued divine guidance for the kingdom and its leadership.
Already, communities neighbouring Arochukwu Kingdom have indicated their readiness to participate in the celebrations.

Mazi Dozie Udensi, President-General of Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide, who also chairs the association of communities in Arochukwu Local Government Area, has consistently emphasised the need to use available opportunities to forge stronger development bonds and create synergies that will positively impact the growth of communities across Arochukwu LGA.

Accordingly, he extended an open invitation to the people of Arochukwu, neighbouring communities and friends of the kingdom across the world:
“We seize this opportunity to invite all sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom, all our neighbouring communities in Arochukwu LGA, Aro diaspora communities, as well as our friends across the world, to join us in celebrating our revered monarch as he marks his second year on the ancient throne.”