The D-day, Ekekpe Aro-Okeigbo, is almost here.
We are hours away from the biggest cultural event in Igbo land. The new yam festival of the Arochukwu Kingdom, otherwise known as Ikeji Aro-Okeigbo, is some hours away from commencement.
Yesterday being Afor Osu is quite significant in the cultural calendar as those who are traditionally qualified to prepare the Osu delicacy happily invite and host guests who, in turn, appreciate them with gifts, etc.
All the labor that went into the Osu preparation from the day before are compensated with joy and happiness for being able to play that role, signified major attainment in the traditional life of the society.
The whole kingdom was turned into a major celebration arena yesterday as His Eminence, Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom hosted guests and friends of the kingdom to a sumptuous Osu meal at the Palace.
Special Ekpo masquerade all the way from Mbiabong, plus Aro diaspora communities who arrived ahead of Ekekpe Aro-Okeigbo turned the Palace into a big entertainment center.
Eze Aro, who was overhead telling people that he went to bed about 2am last night, could not help staying all through to ensure that everything that needed to be done happened.
Several Eze Ogo and the head of Ibom Isi Kindred, Mazi Amos Ngwu Egbu Okoro, kept close to the monarch to ensure that this year’s ikeji meets up with the expectations of Umuaro.
Special dignitaries included Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi, Ogene Ukwu Aro, whose death was rumored in the recent past. Hale and hearthy, he thanked Umuaro for wishing him well. Mazi Emeka Anige, of All Aro USA and several prominent Aro sons and daughters, were in attendance.
Nkwo Ekpe Ibom Isii and ikeji dinner are scheduled for today’s afternoon and evening, respectively.
Also, the CPC Chair, Barr Oscar Okoro will lead a team to the radio station at Umuahia this morning for an hour interactive session to further discuss issues pertaining to ikeji Aro-Okeigbo and give people last minute information about what will happen on Friday September 26th when the entire 19 villages shall file out for cultural contest.
As was reported some time ago, the Aro environment is electrified, indeed bubbling with joy, and there’s no challenge with security of any kind at all levels. With the crowd witnessed at Amaikpe Square yesterday when vehicular movement was made to be at stand still, one wonders what will happen on Ekekpe day. From all indications, the Central Planning Committee must think outside the box to create a plan that will take care of the surge in human traffic at Amaikpe.
Mazi Kingsley Chijioke Oti, the Vice Chair, agreed no less.
However, he expressed optimism that the experience garnered in managing Ikeji-Aro in previous years will stand the Committee, especially the local organizing services, on a good stead to achieve success. Welcome to Ikeji Aro-Okeigbo 2025, and let’s stand up to be counted as Aro-Okeigbo matches forward with great enthusiasm.
Dr Zubby Okoro