A KING IS CROWNED: IHO DIMEZE MARKS A NEW ERA UNDER EZE DR. MARTIN CHIEZE AMAKU

HRM Eze (Dr.) Martin Chieze Amaku, Dimeze II of Iho Dimeze Ancient kingdom

By Emeka Amaefula

A KING IS CROWNED: IHO DIMEZE MARKS A NEW ERA UNDER EZE DR. MARTIN CHIEZE AMAKU

By Emeka Amaefula

History came alive in Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom on Thursday, 27th November 2025, as the community witnessed one of its most symbolic and unifying traditional ceremonies—the crowning of His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Martin Chieze Amaku, officially recognized as *DIMEZE II of Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

The ceremony marked the final phase of the royal installation, completing the traditional rites that followed the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office issued earlier in March 2025 by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Executive Governor of Imo State.

19- king makers of 19 Village Chiefs of Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community

19 Village Heads Unite to Crown Their King

In a powerful display of collective acceptance, the 19 traditional village heads of Iho Dimeze placed sacred royal beads upon the head of Eze Dr. Amaku. This age-old ritual symbolized unanimous endorsement, sealing him as the rightful monarch and custodian of the kingdom’s heritage.

Cross section of members of Imo state Council of Traditional Rulers led by HRM Eze (Dr.) E.C Okeke present at the crowning ceremony

Eze Imo Graces the Ceremony

Adding royal authority and gravitas, His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) E. C. Okeke, CFR, the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers (Eze Imo), attended the colourful event. His presence not only honoured the occasion but also affirmed the legitimacy of the installation in accordance with Imo State traditional protocols.

Eze Imo, Chairman Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers performed admission responsibilities of Dimeze II, king of Iho Dimeze Ancient kingdom

Dignitaries Who Attended the Ceremony

The palace grounds overflowed with royalty, titled men, cultural leaders, and joyous indigenes. Those present included:High Chief Okechukwu Unachukwu, Ana-Akpa-Aku I of Iho Dimeze,Chief Foster Chima Uwakwe, High Chief Chyma Anthony, Ph.D., Odiuko Ikeduru and the 19 certified village chiefs, who performed the bead-crowning rite. Aladinma Women Group, who serenaded the monarch with traditional praise songs.

A Royal Birthday Celebration

The day was doubly significant as the crowning coincided with the birthday of Eze Dr. Amaku, turning the event into a fusion of cultural splendour, music, jubilation, and heartfelt blessings from the people of Iho Dimeze.

A Kingdom of History and Cultural Excellence

Nmanwu Masquerade of Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community

Iho Dimeze stands as a cultural treasure in Imo State. It is the host community of the first exploratory crude oil well dug in Nigeria in 1951 by Shell D’Arcy Petroleum Development Company (West Africa)—a landmark that places the kingdom in Nigeria’s early petroleum history.

The kingdom also boasts the famous Nmanwu Masquerade Festival, a revered annual cultural celebration held at the Isu Ogboachara land site. As the newly crowned monarch, Eze Amaku now assumes his role as spiritual custodian of this ancestral festival, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Cross section of Aladinma Women group of Iho Dimeze

The People’s King

Eze Dr. Martin Chieze Amaku is widely admired as a monarch who blends modern exposure with deep knowledge of traditional rites. His ascension is viewed as a blessing—an opportunity for unity, development, and cultural revival in the Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community.