Imo State’s Uvuru Autonomous Community is set to celebrate the coronation of His Royal Highness Eze Sir Iheanacho Chinyereze Mbalewe as the Ezeoha III on December 27, 2025. The event coincides with the community’s annual cultural day, 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 first of six sons. Born into a royal family, Eze Mbalewe has been steeped in the traditions and customs of his community from a young age.
The new Eze received his primary education at Municipal Council School, Orogbum, Port Harcourt, and All Saints’ Primary School, Uvuru. He later attended Ife Secondary School, Ife Ezinihitte, and Presentation Secondary School, Ogbaku. Eze Mbalewe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Economics from Temple University, Philadelphia, USA, and an MBA degree in Management from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, California.
With over 40 years of experience in diverse professional fields, including banking, car hiring, real estate, and social services, Eze Mbalewe has played critical roles in various economic sectors. He has worked with several reputable organizations, including Union Bank, IMS Ltd, and ABC Merchant Bank Limited. Eze Mbalewe has also attended several senior management courses, enhancing his versatility and sharpening his perspectives as a global leader.
Following the passing of HRH Eze Fidelis Elugwaraonu, the Ezeoha II, the community approached and selected Eze Sir Iheanacho Chinyereze Mbalewe to succeed him. Eze Mbalewe is grounded in local customs and traditions and has pioneered several development projects in the community. His vision is to entrench peace and uplift the economic fortune of every citizen, particularly the youth.
Uvuru Autonomous Community, with an estimated population of over 5,100 people, is made up of 12 villages. The community’s 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 the Ezeoha III marks a significant milestone in the community’s history, reinforcing its rich cultural heritage and traditions.
