By Emeka Amaefula
THE RETURN OF ROYALTY: EZE MARTIN CHIEZE AMAKU PROCLAIMED DIMEZE II IN A GRAND IMPERIAL CEREMONY
History came alive in Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom on Thursday, 27th November 2025, as the community celebrated a majestic cultural renaissance—the crowning of His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) Martin Chieze Amaku, officially proclaimed DIMEZE II of Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
This coronation carries deep historical weight: for over 15 years, Iho Dimeze had no substantive traditional ruler following the death of His Royal Majesty, Eze Ernest Onwuegbu, DIMEZE I. The throne remained vacant, leaving the kingdom in a prolonged period of traditional silence. That chapter ended in March 22nd, 2025 when His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, after due administrative processing by the Imo State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, approved Eze (Dr.) Martin Chieze Amaku and presented him with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office.
19 Village Heads Seal the Covenant of Kingship
In one of the most symbolic highlights of the event, the 19 traditional village heads of Iho Dimeze placed sacred royal beads after the other upon Eze Amaku in a unified ancestral rite that reaffirmed his legitimacy as custodian of the kingdom’s heritage. The 19 Village President General and Chairmen of the various Heads of the 19 Villages also joined the traditional rites placement of regalia especially the crown. The sacred solemn oath was also performed in accordance with the required native ancestral Order of ascendency to the throne of Eze Dimeze II of Iho Dimeze Ancient kingdom.
Royal Authority Present
Gracing the ceremony was His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) E. C. Okeke, CFR, Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers (Eze Imo), whose presence underscored the ceremony’s authenticity and alignment with Imo State’s traditional protocols. Again, the South Eastern Council of Traditional Rulers delegated four traditional Rulers including the Traditional Ruler from Okigwe and Owerri who attended the Coronation ceremony on Thursday 27th November 2025. The leader of Ikeduru Traditional Rulers Council and his executive members were present at the Coronation proper on 27th of November 2025 at the Palace of Dimeze II of Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community.
Dignitaries Honour the Throne
The palace grounds overflowed with royalty, titled chiefs, community leaders, and jubilant 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 heads who performed the crowning rite. The Aladinma Women Group electrified the ambience with cultural chants and dance. Leadership of various groups including Women leaders, Youth leaders, President General of Iho Dimeze who officially presented the regalia and costumes needed for the Coronation with the entire village Heads accompanying him to present the relevant materials of authority to the new king Eze Dimeze II of Iho Dimeze Ancient kingdom.
Speaking to journalists immediately after the Coronation, Dimeze II of Iho Dimeze Ancient kingdom His Royal Majesty Eze Dr Martin Chieze Amaku said ” I thank all those who attended this auspicious occasion especially His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma who on March 22nd 2025 presnted to me the Staff of Office and Certificate of Recognition as Dimeze II of Iho Dimeze Ancient kingdom. Today, being Thursday 27th November 2025 Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community all gathered to fulfill the requirements according to our tradition by placing the crown upon me as their substantive traditional Ruler. I also use this opportunity to Thank God Almighty for His merciful nature in making today a day for our people to gather and perfect this stage of Coronation of their king.”
He urged everyone to be peaceful and law abiding in his kingdom.
A Day of Double Celebration
The coronation coincided with the birthday of Eze (Dr.) Amaku, transforming the occasion into a grand fusion of culture, music, blessings, and celebration.
A Kingdom Steeped in History
Iho Dimeze holds a revered place in Nigerian history. 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). It also sustains the prestigious Nmanwu Masquerade Festival, held annually in the Isu Ogboachara cultural grounds—an ancestral heritage now entrusted to DIMEZE II.
A Monarch for a New Era
Eze Dr. Martin Chieze Amaku is revered for his blend of modern intellect and deep traditional insight. His ascension represents renewed hope, unity, and cultural revival for the Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community.
With his coronation complete, royal authority has triumphantly returned to Iho Dimeze—ushering in an era of rebirth under DIMEZE II.
— Emeka Amaefula
+234(0)8111813069
