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
Committee Members
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
The 2026 World Eri Festival and Golden Jubilee will unfold as follows:
1. 7th November 2026 – Grand Symposium: A scholarly convocation on Igbo history, identity development and book launch.
2. 8th November 2026 – Mass Remembrance Pilgrimage: A solemn spiritual journey honoring the progenitors of the Igbo nation.
3. 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 Michael 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.
