By Stevenie Ojijiagwo
August 09, 2026
The ancient Nkwerre Kingdom on Saturday, August 8, 2026, witnessed a remarkable moment of honour and recognition as High Chief Nze Chinasa Nwaneri was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of “The Lord Duke of Nkwerre Ohaeshi.”
The conferment took place during the grand celebration of the 2026 Iri Ji Ofo Ano, Oriri Nkwerre, held at the Nkwerre Civic Centre Ground, where the four autonomous communities that make up the historic Nkwerre Kingdom gathered to celebrate their cultural heritage, unity and ancestral traditions.
The colourful ceremony, organised by the Nkwerre Aborigines Development Town Union (NADTU) under the leadership of Chief Iroamachi, the PG of all PGs, attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, political figures, titled men and women, youths and distinguished sons and daughters of Nkwerre.
However, one of the major highlights of the celebration was the conferment of the distinguished chieftaincy title on High Chief Nze Chinasa Nwaneri.
NWANERI EMERGES LORD DUKE OF NKWERRE OHAESHI
In a ceremony jointly conducted by traditional rulers from the communities that make up the ancient kingdom, High Chief Nze Chinasa Nwaneri was formally honoured with the title “The Lord Duke of Nkwerre Ohaeshi.”
The title represents a significant recognition of his place within the traditional and communal structure of Nkwerre Ohaeshi.
His elevation formed part of the historic conferment of traditional titles during this year's Iri Ji Ofo Ano celebration, an event which brought together the people of Nkwerre to celebrate their common heritage and reaffirm their bonds of unity.
The announcement of Nwaneri's title generated excitement among guests and members of the community, as the gathering celebrated the recognition of one of its distinguished sons.
A MOMENT OF TRADITIONAL RECOGNITION
The conferment was witnessed by traditional rulers and other prominent personalities who gathered at the Civic Centre Ground for the cultural celebration.
The occasion provided an opportunity for the traditional institution to recognise individuals considered worthy of honour while also reinforcing the importance of service, leadership and communal contribution in the life of the Nkwerre people.
For High Chief Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, the conferment of “The Lord Duke of Nkwerre Ohaeshi” added a significant chapter to his relationship with the ancient kingdom and its traditional institution.
NKWERRE CELEBRATES ITS HERITAGE
The ceremony itself was marked by colourful cultural displays, traditional music, songs and dances from various communities and villages across Nkwerre.
Cultural troupes including Akalikpo Umunachi, Ikpirikpe Amaegbu, Okwuamara, Ekere Mgbá Ukwube and Isiawuodu Onusa Women Troupe, among others, entertained the gathering.
The festival was held under the traditional leadership of HRH Eze Prince Nnannah, Eze Ishiala of Onusa Nkwerre Autonomous Community; HRH Eze Felix Ogbonnah, Opiaegbe of Amanano Nkwerre Autonomous Community; and HRH Eze Joel Udenkwo, Chairman, Nkwerre LGA Council of Traditional Rulers, alongside other traditional authorities.
Against this colourful backdrop of culture and tradition, the conferment of the Lord Duke of Nkwerre Ohaeshi title on High Chief Nze Chinasa Nwaneri stood out as one of the defining moments of the 2026 Iri Ji Ofo Ano celebration.
The honour further underscored the enduring role of the traditional institution in recognising distinguished members of the community and preserving the cultural identity of the Nkwerre Ancient Kingdom.
