Uda Nkwa unfurls legacies of Eze Aro VII

By Henry Akubuiro

As the drumbeat resonated, it echoed memories of Nigeria’s longest serving monarch, whose legacies transcended generations. It was Uda Nkwa (Echoes of the Drum), a Command Performance depicting the legendary reign of His Majesty Mazi Kanu Oji, Eze Aro VII of Arochukwu Kingdom, before an elite audience in Lagos, recently.

Scripted by Dr Ikechukwu Erojikwe of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, the play was produced by Joseph Edgar, and hosted in honour of Eze Aro IX, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island.

Eze Eberechukwu Oji, monarch of Arochukwu Kingdom, watching Uda Nkwa at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos

Like the maiden public performance in Arochukwu Kingdom on December 27 as part of the events marking the 2024 Aro Day celebration,  the Lagos performance was a showstopper, attracting top socialites, industry titans, art and culture aficionados, the clergy and foreign nationals.

Performed by a cast of young and talented artistes, the stage performance depicted the exceptional leadership sagacity of the legendary Eze Kanu Oji, which earned him honours from the British Empire. The play demonstrated how the legendary Eze Aro, during his 73-year reign, deployed extraordinary wisdom to resolve otherwise knotty issues, and maintain peace in his kingdom.

Following the captivating theatre performance at Terra Kulture, guests were hosted by Princewill Utchay. Under the impressive glow of decorative string led lights at the Prime Chinese Restaurant on Victoria Island, a symbolic evening unfolded, honouring the life of the legendary Eze Kanu Oji.

As the night progressed, vibrant Aro cultural dances melded with the rhythmic steps of Urhobo performers, led by Olorogun Oskar Ibru, who energised the atmosphere, compelling guests to their feet.

The celebrations echoed the rich cultural heritage of the Aro Kingdom, known for its spirit and unity.

The event held a sentimental significance, marking not just a celebration of the current Eze Aro, but also serving as a poignant reminder of a gathering from 24 years ago. Specifically on March 12, 2001, the then Eze Aro, Eze Ogbonnaya Okoro, CFR, was warmly welcomed at the same venue, initiating the Aro 2002 Centenary Commemoration of the Aro-British war.

Now, celebrating the iconic Eze Kanu Oji, who ruled for an astonishing 73 years (1914-1987) and was amongst the first traditional rulers conferred with Nigerian’s national honours at inception in 1964, the night felt like a beautiful continuum of tradition and respect for leadership.

Eze Kanu Oji, CFR, CON, OBE, a figure enshrined in respect, represents more than mere lineage – he embodies a legacy deeply intertwined with the nation’s history.

He was hosted by three Nigerian heads of State across decades: Tafawa Balewa in 1965; Olusegun Obasanjo in 1976; and Ibrahim Babaginda in 1986, adding to the weight of his reign and the significance of this night.

As His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, the grandson of this revered monarch, carries forth not only his ancestral legacy but also the hopes of his people. “It is a unique moment for us,” Princewill Utchay said during his opening address, “not merely to celebrate a king but to honour the greatness that has united the Aro Kingdom and the larger Nigerian community.”

Prime Chinese Restaurant plays a pivotal role in this tradition, ensuring that heritage is celebrated amid the culinary delight they provide. Beyond the cultural festivities, the evening highlighted Eze Aro’s remarkable contributions to the oil industry and his recent engagement at the World Bank/IMF session in Washington, USA, where he advocated sustainable solutions in Africa’s energy sector on October 22, 2024. His journey from the oil fields to esteemed leadership presents an inspiring narrative, resonating with both local and global ambitions.

The gathering, indeed, was not for lengthy speeches, as emphasised by the host, but rather to “express gratitude and respect for Eze Eberehukwu Oji’s commitment to unity and development, and to pledge our total support and loyalty to His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro”. 

“As the first grandson of Mazi T.K. Utchay the designer of Omu Aro – the Coat of Arms of the Aro Kingdom in 1925 –  it is traditional that I align myself with this great king of our time.”

Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, a venerable elder of Arochukwu Kingdom, led the opening prayer, invoking blessings for peace and prosperity in Nigeria, a heartfelt moment that resonated with everyone present.

In her vote of thanks, Prof. Ngozi Osarenren passionately reaffirmed the night’s purpose: to celebrate unity and the bridge-building efforts of Eze Eberechukwu Oji.

Within just a year of his ascendancy, he has been pivotal in forming the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, forging alliances among various traditional leaders, including the Oni of Ife; Dein of Agbor; Jaja of Opobo; Obong of Calabar; Obi of Isingwu; Elegushi of Ikate; Olofin of Isheri; Alara of Ilara; Amanyanabo of Abonnema, amongst others.

As the evening drew to a close, Eze Eberechukwu Oji, flanked by his adorable queen, Ugoeze Nneoma, expressed deep appreciation to Prime Chinese Restaurant, which had consistently served its customers with excellence for over three decades, daily, inviting all Aro people to come together for communal growth and development.

His Eminence promised that the third leg of the play would be staged in Abuja, and subsequently taken to the United Kingdom.

In the spirit of the night, the Echoes of the Drum

The legacy of Eze Aro continues to thrive, reminding all present of the rich culture and relentless spirit of the Aro Kingdom, and its importance in the tapestry of Nigeria’s history.

Some of the dignitaries present included a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, His Excellency, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa; Professor Ngozi Osarenren of University of Lagos; Treasurer-General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide, Mazi Adindu Elekwa and his wife Maria; former presidents of Nzuko Aro, Lagos branch, Mazi Jideofor Kanu; and Mazi Ejike Onwuchekwa; Chairman of AROSON, Lagos branch, Mazi Chinedu Nwankwo, and his wife, Nnenna; Dr JK Onwuchekwa and his wife, Gift.

Others were the Publisher of Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike; Mr. Rufai Oseni of Arise TV; Nollywood actress Rita Dominic-Anosike; Showbiz presenter, Yemi Shodimu; Engr. Obioha Chijioke, Mazi Chimezie Orji; oil and gas magnet, Mazi Obioha Okorafor; Full Moon Hotel proprietor, Mazi Chike Okorafor; real estate developer, Mazi Emeka Okoronkwo; Ezienyi Club President, Mazi Udeaha Nwosu and his wife Ebere; Palace Secretary, Mazi Ugo Okoro, and his wife, Nancy, among others.