Ezeoha III coronation mark 45 years of Uvuru royalty legacy

Imo State’s Uvuru Autonomous Community will celebrate the coronation of His Royal Highness Eze Sir Iheanacho Chinyereze Mbalewe as Ezeoha III on December 27, 2025. The ceremony coincides with the community’s annual cultural celebration, Okwunakuwa Day, and marks the 45th anniversary of the coronation of Ezeoha I, the first traditional ruler of Uvuru Ikedinairi.

Eze Sir Iheanacho Chinyereze Mbalewe is the sixth child of the late Eze Reuben Ugwuegbulem Mbalewe—the first Ezeoha of Uvuru Ikedinairi—and his wife, Ugoeze Patience Ahunna Mbalewe. He is the sixth of 18 children and the eldest of six sons. Born into a royal family, he was immersed in the traditions and customs of his community from an early age.

His education began at Municipal Council School, Orogbum, Port Harcourt, and All Saints’ Primary School, Uvuru. He continued at Ife Secondary School, Ife Ezinihitte, and Presentation Secondary School, Ogbaku. Eze Mbalewe earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Economics from Temple University in Philadelphia, USA, and an MBA in Management from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California.

With more than 40 years of experience across banking, car hiring, real estate, and social services, Eze Mbalewe has held critical roles in various economic sectors. He has worked with reputable organizations such as Union Bank, IMS Ltd, and ABC Merchant Bank Limited, and has completed several senior‑management courses that have broadened his perspective as a global leader.

Following the death of HRH Eze Fidelis Elugwaraonu, Ezeoha II, the community selected Eze Sir Iheanacho Chinyereze Mbalewe to succeed him. Grounded in local customs, he has already pioneered several development projects in the community. His vision is to entrench peace and improve the economic fortunes of every citizen, especially the youth.

Uvuru Autonomous Community, with an estimated population of over 5,100 people, comprises 12 villages. Its first traditional ruler, HRH Reuben Ugwuegbulem Mbalewe, was officially recognized by the Imo State government on January 1, 1980. The coronation of Eze Sir Iheanacho Chinyereze Mbalewe as Ezeoha III marks a significant milestone in the community’s history, reinforcing its rich cultural heritage and traditions.