The Kingdom of Arochukwu is hosting the biggest Ekpe Carnival in the West Coast of Africa with the event tagged, “Ogbo Ekpe AMUVI 2026”. The carnival started yesterday, January 3, 2026 and will end today, January 4.

Ogbo Ekpe AMUVI 2026 is holding at Amuvi Field, Arochukwu Kingdom, Abia State, Nigeria with the theme, “The Relevance of Ekpe in a Contemporary World: Governance, Unity and Heritage".

The Royal Father of the Day is His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro XI of Arochukwu Kingdom; Chief Host: HRH, Mazi Thomas Nlenanya Okoroji, Eze Ogo, Amuvi and the event is being hosted by Mazi Ogbonnia Nwafor, PG, Amuvi Welfare &Development Association.

About Ogbo Ekpe Amuvi 2026

The Ogbo Ekpe Amuvi 2026 is a landmark cultural and heritage celebration dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the Ekpe institution, an enduring system of moral order, discipline, and communal governance that links peoples across the Cross River basin, down to Cameroon and the Congo.

Ekpe is not merely a society; it is a philosophy, a living testament to the values of peaceful coexistence, hierarchy, discipline, justice, and unity. This event, hosted by the people of Amuvi, Arochukwu, seeks to reaffirm Ekpe's timeless role in promoting regional brotherhood and cultural harmony, while adapting its teachings to today's world of evolving identities and modern governance.

The 2026 maiden edition celebrates the ascension to the revered Aro throne by a charismatic monarch and the ongoing fire of cultural renaissance thus, represents more than a festival; it is a reunification of an age old regional alliance, rekindling ties that once connected Aro traders, scholars, and initiates with Ekpe custodians across the Cross River region, Cameroon, and beyond.

OVERVIEW OF EVENT

Day 1- Saturday, January 3, 2026: The Symposium

A thought provoking symposium themed, "The Relevance of Ekpe in a Contemporary World: Governance, Unity and Heritage", assembling scholars, traditional custodians, and cultural practitioners to explore Ekpeasa unfiynig system across Cross River basin down to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo.

Intangible heritage documentation for national and UNESCO recognition.

Youth engagement and the role of traditional systems in modern governance.

Symposium discussants:

• Sen. Bassey Ewa Henshaw

• Prof. Okoro ljoma

• Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi

• Prince Chijoke Ikonte

• Tata Cyprian Nnaji (Keynote Speaker)

Day 2 - Sunday, 4th January 2026: The Grand Cultural Display

A magnificent exhibition of Ekpe performances and masquerades from Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Cameroon, showcasing the beauty, discipline, and power of Ekpe artistry. The day will feature inter-community displays, royal processions, Eyamba women and the presentation of the event memorabilia to participating communities and distinguished individuals culminating in a symbolic act of cultural unity and renewal.

OBJECTIVES

• To showcase, document, and preserve the living heritage of Ekpe as a unifying force for peace and regional cooperation.

• To strengthen inter community bonds among Aro and neighbouring societies through shared cultural expression.

• To foster collaboration between traditional custodians, creative industry leaders, and government agencies.

• To position Arochukwu as a focal point for cultural tourism, heritage education, and sustainable development.

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