Picture: Eze Nri posing with his friends
…As Eze Nri proclaims 2026 new year, confers chieftaincy on Anyakorah
By Akuma Ebere
The ancient kingdom of Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, at the weekend, celebrated the 1027th edition of Igu Aro Ndi Igbo, ushering in the 2026 Igbo New Year amid pomp and rich cultural displays.
High Chief Dr Sir Chris receiving his title
The ceremony also marked the 38th coronation anniversary of the revered monarch, Eze Nri, Engr. Obidiegwu Onyesoh, MFR, JP (Nrienwelana II), whose reign continues to symbolise the spiritual authority of the ancient kingdom.
Held at the Eze Nri Palace, the colourful festival attracted a large crowd of traditional rulers, dignitaries, youth groups, and culture enthusiasts who gathered to receive royal blessings and yam seedlings for the new planting season.
Traditional music, cultural dances, and the firing of the symbolic “Mkponala” guns added glamour to the event, as chants and prayers echoed across the palace grounds.
As custodian of the Igbo spiritual heritage, Eze Nri formally proclaimed the New Year and announced the Igbo calendar, which comprises 13 lunar months. In keeping with age-long tradition, he distributed yam seedlings to Ndi Igbo, urging them to plant in their communities as the farming season begins.
The monarch also declared that the first rainfall would occur approximately four days after Igu Aro, but not later than three native weeks (Izu Ano), signalling the appropriate time to commence cultivation.
A major highlight of the celebration was the conferment of a chieftaincy title on High Chief Dr Sir Chris Ugo Anyakorah, described as a renowned international businessman with vast experience in the upstream oil sector.
The monarch praised him as a visionary leader whose business acumen and leadership qualities have positively impacted the companies he has managed.
In his address, the Regent of the kingdom, Prince Ikenna Onyesoh Idebuteaku, dismissed claims that Igu Aro is idol worship, explaining that the rite is an age-long, preserved Igbo cultural heritage under the custody of Eze Nri.
He further explained that the festival is essentially an act of thanksgiving to God for preserving lives in the outgoing year and a supplication for good health, economic prosperity, protection, and a bumper harvest in the New Year.
Describing Nri as a kingdom rooted in culture, tradition, good governance and administrative excellence, the Regent highlighted its historic innovations in rituals, diplomacy, commerce, and the management of a segmented and decentralised people.
He warned the public and corporate organisations to be wary of individuals or groups soliciting in the name of Igu Aro outside the ancient kingdom, insisting that the festival is domiciled solely in Nri.
Against the backdrop of the forthcoming 2027 general elections, Eze Nri called on government at all levels to strengthen security to ensure violence-free polls.
He commended the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, for infrastructural development, particularly the construction of Agbanabo Road and the reconstruction of the Enugwu-Ukwu–Nri–Agulu Road, as well as efforts to boost economic growth and security in the state.
The monarch also appreciated Distinguished Senator Lilian Uche Ekwunife (Anyanwu Nri) and Chief Chukwudi (Oba Ezeafia Anaocha) for their human and infrastructural development initiatives in the kingdom, alongside other individuals who have contributed to improving the welfare of the people.
Present to celebrate with Eze Nri were Chief Raphael Uwazulike (Ogilishi Igbo), represented by Comrade Calistus Eze (Mkpokiti Ndigbo); HM Ide Adili Ajana (Eze Akajiofo II of Ikem Ifite); HRH Igwe Uche Okonkwo (Igwe of Amawbia); Chief Barr. Nkem Ekweozo (Okwuluoka of Nawfia); Chief Mrs Calista Amamgbo (Ada ka Ada Na Okija); and Prince Ifeanyi Onyesoh (Akaekpuchionwa Nri), National Chairman/Leader of Omenana Nri, among others.
The 1027th Igu Aro Ndi Igbo once again reaffirmed Nri’s historic and spiritual place in Igbo land, setting the tone for a prosperous farming season and a hopeful year ahead.
