Arochukwu was agog on Thursday, September 3, 2026, as family members, traditional rulers, community leaders, dignitaries and well-wishers gathered at Amuvi Village to honour the lives of Late Mazi Ezeani Arukwe and his son, Late Mazi Ogbonnaya Samuel Ezeani Arukwe.
The traditional burial rites held at Ogbiti, Mazi Ezeani Arukwe’s Compound, No. 3 Eziukwu Compound, Amuvi Village, brought together people from different walks of life in a display of Arochukwu tradition, family solidarity and communal support.
Arochukwu Blog gathered that the ceremony featured solemn traditional rites, tributes, prayers and cultural entertainment, giving the Ezeani Arukwe family the opportunity to formally honour their departed loved ones and celebrate the legacies they left behind.
HRH Eze Thomas Nlenanya Okoroji, Ezeogo Amuvi, was among the prominent traditional rulers at the ceremony. He thanked God for the favourable weather that held throughout the event and extended his blessings to Mazi Ejiofor Ezeani, Ikemba Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, and the entire Ezeani Arukwe family for successfully organising the rites. He described the deceased as men of integrity and peaceful disposition, and urged the family to preserve the values they represented.
Also present was Hon. Nnaemeka Otti, who came from the Abia State Government House, Umuahia. He spoke on the importance of celebrating loved ones while they are alive, and continuing to honour their memory after death. He described Ikemba Aro, Mazi Ejiofor Ezeani, as “Nwa Aro Ji Eme Onu,” and prayed for God’s comfort and strength upon the family.
One of the major highlights of the day was the performance of the traditional Ikwa Mmadi rites, which brought Arochukwu’s cultural heritage into full display through traditional music, dance and other observances. The atmosphere combined grief and celebration, as relatives and well-wishers paid their respects while also honouring the memories of the deceased.
A significant moment came with the killing of the native cow (Efi Igbo), a major traditional rite performed by Mazi Ejiofor Ezeani in his capacity as the oldest male child of the family. Some attendees were heard referring to him as “Ogbuefi” during the ceremony, a title not traditionally conferred within Arochukwu Kingdom. It remains unclear whether this was used in jest by well-wishers marking the rite, or carries any other significance — Arochukwu Blog could not independently confirm any formal conferment.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mazi Ejiofor Ezeani expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the ceremony, specifically acknowledging Mazi Charles Okereke (Parker’s), Adamazi Nnenna Clement Okereke, Adamazi Ijeoma Nkemakolam, Ada Mazi Ego Ezeani-Obi, Lady Ebere Justina Okoro, and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the family. He also thanked Fellymoore Homes and Properties Limited for sponsoring the event, Nzuko Aro Worldwide and its Enugu Branch, Mazi Okechukwu Okoro (Alhaji Tofa), and his wife and children for their support throughout.
“With my heart filled with gratitude, I humbly appreciate everyone who stood with us and contributed in one way or another to the success of these traditional burial rites,” he said.
The traditional burial rites eventually came to an end with prayers, tributes, cultural activities and expressions of gratitude. For the Ezeani Arukwe family, September 3, 2026, will remain a memorable day — one on which Arochukwu stood with them to honour the memory of Late Mazi Ezeani Arukwe and Late Mazi Ogbonnaya Samuel Ezeani Arukwe.
May their souls rest in perfect peace.
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