Glamour and splendour alone do not adequately describe the second coronation anniversary of His Eminence, Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro IX of Arochukwu Kingdom, held from July 22 to July 26, 2026.
Peace, unity and excitement defined the five-day celebration, as the people of Arochukwu Kingdom came together to commemorate two years of measurable and intentional development under the reign of their monarch. The vision of “Light Up Aro” has gone beyond a metaphor, becoming a visible reality across every nook and cranny of the kingdom.
Day 1: A call for righteousness and compassion
The celebrations commenced with an open-air crusade, during which His Eminence urged the people of Arochukwu Kingdom to shun immoral behaviour and all forms of negative vices capable of tarnishing the image of the kingdom.
He said it would be unfortunate for any son or daughter of Arochukwu to be found among those bringing dishonour to Abia State or Nigeria.
While applauding the achievements of Governor Alex Otti, particularly in road construction, rehabilitation of the long-neglected Arochukwu General Hospital, and other infrastructure across Abia State, the monarch reminded the people that Governor Otti – as a son of the soil – has fulfilled his electoral promises, urging residents to support efforts that would sustain the progress.
A free medical outreach also formed part of the day’s activities, providing healthcare services to residents of Arochukwu Kingdom and neighbouring communities.
Speaking during the outreach, Nurse Favour Chidinma Nwaka, explained that the programme was organised alongside the anniversary crusade to offer free medical consultations, treatment and medication to residents of the ancient kingdom.
According to her, patients were first examined by doctors before receiving nursing care and prescribed medications at no cost.
“Today, we are holding the medical outreach alongside the crusade. Patients first see the doctors, after which the nurses attend to them, and they are given free medications. It is our way of giving back to the people of Arochukwu.”
She noted that beneficiaries came from across Arochukwu Kingdom and neighbouring communities, including Ihechiowa and Ututu, stressing that the outreach was open to everyone without discrimination.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Barrister Kingsley Uche Okoro, described the annual celebration as a deliberate effort to showcase the rebirth, unity and development of the ancient kingdom.
He explained that the anniversary, under the theme; “Aro Renaissance: Consolidating Gains in Peace and Unity, Honouring the Legacies of Mary Slessor in the Evangelisation and Social Development of Aro Kingdom,” was designed to project the renewed image of Arochukwu and demonstrate to Nigeria and the international community that the kingdom has regained its pride of place.
“Our kingdom is back on its feet once again,” he said, noting that the reign of Eze Aro IX has ushered in visible development and renewed hope.
Day 2: Preserving history, celebrating heritage
The second day witnessed the unveiling of the rebuilt Mary Slessor Library in Amannagwu Village.
His Eminence announced that a section of the library would be dedicated to the Committee on Historical and Cultural Development of Arochukwu, chaired by Professor Okoro Ijoma, to preserve artefacts excavated from three compounds in Ugwuakuma by archaeologist Osinachi Nwosu and his team.
The artefacts, including brass items, pot shards, beads, smoking pipes, gun flints, china wares, ceramic lamps, kerosene lanterns, gin bottles, bracelets and several other historical objects, provide evidence of wealth, trade activities and household life during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and legitimate trade periods.
The monarch appreciated Dr. (Mrs.) Nwanganga Shields for funding the library project, expressing optimism that it would be fully equipped before the end of 2026.
During the anniversary lecture and dinner held later at Alpha Plus Hotel, Amuvi, Eze Eberechukwu Oji announced plans to establish the Alex Ekubo Film Village in honour of the late Nollywood actor.
According to him, the film village would preserve the actor’s legacy while serving as a training centre for aspiring actors.
The monarch also urged parents to preserve Aro traditions by teaching their children proper cultural values, including the significance of the kola nut ceremony, wearing of Omu Aro regalia and giving children authentic Aro names.
He announced an essay competition in Igbo Aro, with a prize money of $1,000 for the winner, while also revealing that the famous Uda Nkwa – a flick on the legacies of the legendary Eze Kanu Oji (Eze Aro VII) – would, for the first time, be performed live in the United States.
The event also featured reviews of his internationally acclaimed lecture delivered at the University of California, Berkeley titled; “Reclaiming African Civilizational Voices: The Arochukwu Renaissance and the Future of Indigenous Knowledge in a Global Information Age.”
Reviewers applauded the lecture for placing Arochukwu on the global intellectual map and advancing conversations on indigenous governance, African languages, digital preservation and cultural diplomacy, while also suggesting greater attention to youth, gender and economic policy.
Day 3: Royal homage and youth development
The third day featured royal homage by representatives of Arochukwu’s 19 villages, Aro citizens in the Diaspora, welfare associations and traditional institutions.
The monarch also received members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who appealed for improvements to the dilapidated corps members’ lodge.
Responding immediately, Eze Aro directed his Chief of Staff to investigate ownership of the building to facilitate its rehabilitation.
He also pledged to engage the leadership of Nzuko Aro Worldwide on the possibility of providing transportation for corps members from their orientation camp to Arochukwu.
Encouraging the corps members, the monarch highlighted the opportunities available in the kingdom, including the newly completed Mary Slessor Library, where ICT and artificial intelligence resources would soon become available through free internet access and improved electricity supply.
