By Henry Akubuiro,Rapheal

Copyright thesun

By Henry Akubuiro

The culmination of the cultural calendar of the ancient Igbo kingdom of Arochukwu screamed “Ikeji Festival” last week, and Aro indigenes and aficionados of culture from far thronged to witness the spectacles. It brought the best of Arochukwu culture, serving as a veritable avenue to unite sons and daughters from the 19 villages once again with dazzling masquerade and diverse cultural displays.

Also, a century of Omu Aro heritage was celebrated by honouring Aro indigines, who had, over the years, left lasting legacies in preserving the culture of the people, empowering the youths, and community development, which had seen Aro steadily rise as an urban centre and the centre of Igbo civilisation and culture.

September 22 announced the peak of Eke Ọd, a day of ritual thanksgiving and ancestral homage. across the 19 villages by elders and priests, who invoked blessings for harvests, peace, and communal prosperity, while families offered thanksgiving with ceremonial dances accompanied by drums and flutes. The festival commenced on Sept 8th, 2025, on a low scale with Mgbape Awada.

The Aro monarch, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro IX, used the Eke Ọdụ to preach unity and gratitude while preserving the people’s cultural heritage. The social part of the festival witnessed participation in health and educational projects.

The Orie Egbugbu took centre stage on September 23, a day when faith mixed with tradition. Spiritual Renewal and Thanksgiving echoed in an interdenominational service at the Civic Center, Oror. Reverend Chidi Okoroafor of the Assemblies of God Church preached on “Arochukwu Renaissance for Christ.” The Aro king applauded the support of the people towards the Nzuko Aro Worldwide activities, while voting for Igbo translators to be trained to function during worship services.

The Afor Afor Ọsu celebration on September 24 marked the centenary of Omu Aro. It honoured legends like Mazi T.K. Utchay and S.W.O. Okereke, who created the Omu Aro as a symbol of unity, empowerment, and cultural continuity. Women leaders in Aro were lionised for making far-reaching contributions to community development, agriculture and education Their advocacy for youth, schools, and local initiatives advertised the critical role of women in sustaining Aro’s social and cultural development.

Participants in this year’s Ikeji Festival were entertained on September 25 with the Nkwo Ekpe Ibom Isii and Ikeji Dinner. The day featured sacred masquerades, drumming, and other performances. The communal spirit of the Aros was evidenced in the participation of every village, who displayed distinctive costumes, historical storytelling and dances that interpreted cultural narratives passed across generations.

Later in the day, the Ikeji Dinner was hosted by Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide, attended by community leaders, and where developmental reports were presented. 19 youngsters from the 19 villages of Aro were honoured for their community service and overall excellence by the king.

Eke Ekpe on September 26 was the grand finale of the Ikeji Festival and village competition at Amaikpe Square, showcasing pageantry, masquerades, choreographed dances and captivating costumes. Eze Oji almost stole the show riding in a Victorian age, horsecarriage as he stared in a procession flanked by horse riders, as the Abia State Government Choir sang. From the Eze Aro palace to the festival grounds, the procession moved with royalty – the cynosure of all eyes.

It was a day each village aimed to outperform the other in creativity. Atani village emerged the overall winner with a blend of captivating engrossing ancestral performance that kept the audience glued and enraptured. The second position went to Ugbo, also adjudged as the Most Innovative Group; while Obinkita came third, for their synchronized dances and storytelling commended by the judges.

Not left out in the accolades were Ujari, Amoba, and Asaga, who impressed with compelling performances. The award for the Most Organised Crowd Puller went to Isimkpu village.

The 2025 Ikeji Festival also honored 32 distinctive Aro indigenes, who had made valuable contributions in culture, education, governance, and faith. They included popular names in Nigerian history such as Dr. Alvan Ikoku, Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe, Mazi Mbonu Ojike, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, S.W.O. Okereke and Mazi T.K. Utchay.

According to the Eze Aro IX, these honorees were embodiments of the kingdom’s values of service, excellence, and sacrifice. They had also inspired the current generation to uphold Arochukwu’s proud legacy. He announced plans to honour 100 Umu Aro posthumously on Aro Day 2025 in recognition of emerging leading lights.

Speaking as the Chairman of Eke Ekekpe Day, Monday Onyekachi Ubani (SAN), eulogised Aro’s dedication to tradition, transparency, and accountability. He added: “I feel as though I have been adopted into this great kingdom.”

Dr. Matthew Ekwuribe, the Abia State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, who represented the state governor, Dr. Alex Otti, described the festival as a model for cultural revival, while pledging support for similar cultural celebrations across Abia.

The President General of Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide, the umbrella body of Aro aborigines, Mazi Dozie Udensi, and Central Planning Committee Chairman, thanked Umuaro at home and in the diaspora for raising the bar of this year’s festival and ensuring the culture was rekindled for the interests of the younger generation.

From the rituals, exuberant masquerade displays, lively dances, energetic competitions, engaging civic engagement, and apt recognition of remarkable achievers, the 2025 Ikeji Festival would be remembered for different things. It has shown to the rest of the world that Arochukwu has not ceased to be a cultural beacon.