In a cultural and historical milestone, the Ancient Iduu Eri Kingdom has officially inaugurated a high-powered Planning Committee for the forthcoming 2026 World Eri Festival (Olili Eri) and the Golden Jubilee celebration of His Majesty, Ezedigbo, Ezeora the 34th (XXXIV), revered as Aka Ji Ovo Igbo.
The inauguration marks the formal commencement of preparations for what promises to be a landmark convergence of culture, tradition, and royal heritage. The dual celebration is designed not only to commemorate the ancestral arrival of Eri—the acknowledged progenitor of the Igbo people—but also to celebrate His Majesty’s remarkable 50 years of purposeful and impactful reign.
Scheduled to take place from November 7th to 9th, 2026, the three-day global event is expected to attract a distinguished gathering of Igbo sons and daughters from across the diaspora, traditional rulers, cultural scholars, diplomats, and friends of the Kingdom worldwide. It is widely anticipated to serve as a rallying point for the reaffirmation of Igbo identity, unity, and cultural pride.
The Planning Committee, carefully constituted to reflect competence, tradition, and administrative excellence, will be chaired by High Chief Kingsley Umeh Chibuike, Nnam Odum Na Iduu Eri, Odum Aguata. Supporting him is High Chief (Prof.) Raphael A. Chikwenze (Aka-Eze Eri), the Palace Secretary, who will serve as Deputy Chairman, while High Chief Rabbi Ikechukwu Ogugua (Onyishi Nchu Aja Eri) takes on the pivotal role of General Secretary, overseeing the administrative coordination of the committee.
Addressing members during the inauguration, His Royal Majesty delivered a profound charge, urging the committee to embark on an extensive global mobilization of Ndi Igbo and key stakeholders. He emphasized that the celebration transcends mere festivity, describing it as a defining moment in the cultural rebirth of the Igbo nation.
“This celebration marks not merely a jubilee, but the beginning of a new dimension in the cultural renaissance and upliftment of the Igbo race, whose ancestral root is traced to this Kingdom,” the monarch declared.
The programme of events has been thoughtfully structured to reflect intellectual depth, spiritual reverence, and cultural splendour. Activities will commence on November 7th with a Grand Symposium featuring scholarly discourse on Igbo history, identity development, and a book launch. The second day, November 8th, will be dedicated to a Mass Remembrance Pilgrimage—a solemn spiritual exercise in honour of the forebears of the Igbo people. The grand finale on November 9th will showcase a vibrant display of cultural heritage, climaxing in the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished individuals and institutions.
Adding an international dimension to the celebration is the expected presence of His Excellency Ambassador Michał Cygan, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Nigeria, who recently visited the Obu-Gad Palace in Enugwu Aguleri to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties with the Kingdom.
In his acceptance speech, the Committee Chairman, High Chief Kingsley Umeh Chibuike, expressed deep appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead with dedication and excellence.
“Our mandate is to deliver a world-class celebration befitting the dignity of the Throne and the global relevance of our enviable heritage as the Igbo Nation. We shall ensure that this Golden Jubilee reflects the majesty of our past, the vibrancy of our present, and the promise of our future,” he stated.
With work already underway, expectations are high that the 2026 World Eri Festival and Golden Jubilee will not only be a celebration of history but a defining moment in the cultural renaissance of the Igbo people on the global stage.
Full Text of the Signed Statement
His Majesty, Ezedigbo, Ezeora the 34th - XXXIV - (Aka Ji Ovo Igbo), has formally inaugurated the Planning Committee for two historic milestones: the 2026 World Eri Festival (Olili Eri) and His Majesty’s Golden Jubilee.
This dual celebration serves as a profound tribute to the ancestral arrival of Eri, the progenitor of the Igbo people, while simultaneously marking His Majesty’s 50th year of distinguished reign on the throne. The committee is charged with delivering a world-class event that honors Igbo heritage and five decades of visionary leadership.
The landmark three-day event is scheduled to hold from 7th to 9th November 2026 and will convene sons and daughters of Igbo land, cultural custodians, diplomats, and friends of the Kingdom from across the globe.
Leadership of the Planning Committee:
The Committee will be chaired by High Chief Kingsley Umeh Chibuike, Nnam Odum Na Iduu Eri, Odum Aguata. Assisting in the leadership is High Chief Prof. Raphael A. Chikwenze (Aka-Eze Eri), the Palace Secretary who will serve in the dual capacity of Deputy Chairman. The administrative coordination of the committee will be led by High Chief Rabbi Ikechukwu Ogugua (Onyishi Nchu Aja Eri), who serves as the General Secretary.
Royal Charge:
Addressing the newly inaugurated Committee, His Royal Majesty charged members to undertake a comprehensive global mobilization of Ndi Igbo and strategic interest groups worldwide. “This celebration marks not merely a jubilee, but the beginning of a new dimension in the cultural renaissance and upliftment of the Igbo race, whose ancestral root is traced to this Kingdom,” His Majesty declared.
Programme Highlights:
- 7th November 2026 – Grand Symposium: A scholarly convocation on Igbo history, identity development and book launch.
- 8th November 2026 – Mass Remembrance Pilgrimage: A solemn spiritual journey honoring the progenitors of the Igbo nation.
- 9th November 2026 – Cultural Splendour & Conferment of Chieftaincy Titles: A showcase of Igbo heritage culminating in the conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving individuals and institutions.
Among the distinguished nominees to grace the occasion is His Excellency Ambassador Michał Cygan, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Nigeria, who recently paid a courtesy visit to the Obu-Gad Palace to strengthen bilateral cultural ties and express solidarity with the Kingdom.
Chairman’s Acceptance:
In his acceptance remarks, High Chief Kingsley Umeh Chibuike pledged to lead the Committee “with a profound sense of purpose, humility, and an operating philosophy anchored on rigor, transparency, and relentless excellence.”
“Our mandate,” the Chairman affirmed, “is to deliver a world-class celebration befitting the dignity of the Throne and the global relevance of our enviable heritage as the Igbo Nation. We shall ensure that this Golden Jubilee reflects the majesty of our past, the vibrancy of our present, and the promise of our future.”
The Planning Committee has commenced work immediately to ensure the successful execution of this historic celebration.
Signed:
High Chief Kingsley Umeh Chibuike
Chairman, Planning Committee
High Chief (Prof.) Raphael A. Chikwenze
The Palace Secretary &
Deputy Chairman, Planning Committee
and
High Chief Rabbi Ikechukwu Ogugua
General Secretary, Planning Committee
Media and Sponsorship Enquiries:
The Palace Secretary
Obu-Gad Palace in Enugwu Aguleri,
The Ancient Iduu Eri Kingdom
