A historic moment has arrived for the people of Uvuru Autonomous Community in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. On December 27, 2025, His Royal Highness Eze Sir Iheanacho Chinyereze Mbalewe will be crowned as Ezeoha III, marking the beginning of a new era for Uvuru.

The coronation will take place during the community’s annual cultural celebration, Okwunakuwa Day, which also coincides with the 45th anniversary of the coronation of Ezeoha I, the first traditional ruler of Uvuru, HRH Eze Reuben Ugwuegbulem Mbalewe. Eze Reuben’s coronation took place on January 1, 1980, and since then, his family has been central to the community’s leadership.

Ezeoha III, Eze Iheanacho Chinyereze Mbalewe, is the sixth child of the late Eze Reuben Ugwuegbulem Mbalewe and his wife Ugoeze Patience Ahunna Mbalewe. Ezeoha III is also the first of six sons in the Mbalewe family, making his ascension to the throne a significant and joyous occasion for the royal family. His birth was celebrated as the arrival of the heir to the throne, fulfilling the long-awaited expectation of the family and community.

Background and Education:
Born into a family with a deep-rooted royal history, Ezeoha III’s early life was shaped by both traditional and formal education. He began his primary schooling at Municipal Council School in Orogbum, Port Harcourt, before completing it at All Saints’ Primary School, Uvuru, after his family relocated to the village due to the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. Ezeoha III went on to attend Ife Secondary School in Ife Ezinihitte and Presentation Secondary School, Ogbaku in Imo State for his secondary education.

Ezeoha III furthered his education abroad, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Economics from Temple University in Philadelphia, USA, followed by an MBA in Management from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, California.

Professional Career:
His career spanned many years and included notable roles in the banking sector, real estate, car hiring and fleet management, and social/public services. Notably, he worked with IMS Ltd, a subsidiary of SCOA Nigeria Limited, and ABC Merchant Bank Limited, where he advanced from Credit Analyst to Branch Manager in Onitsha. He also worked in several reputable organizations in the United States, including Edison Parking Management in New York and LISN INC. in Rutherford, New Jersey.

With nearly 40 years of professional experience, Ezeoha III has gained expertise in management, leadership, and resource allocation, positioning him as a versatile global leader.

Rise to the Throne:
Following the death of HRH Eze Fidelis Elugwaraonu, the Ezeoha II, the throne of Ezeoha Uvuru became vacant. The people of Uvuru, adhering to their constitutional and traditional processes, unanimously selected Eze Sir Iheanacho Chinyereze Mbalewe to succeed his late father.

For over 22 years, Ezeoha III served as a prominent member of the Ezeoha Uvuru Cabinet, holding the title of Nnanyereugo Obioha of Uvuru Ikedinairi, a respected position in the community. His deep understanding of Uvuru’s customs and traditions, combined with his leadership experience, makes him well-suited to guide Uvuru into a new chapter.

Vision and Mission:
Ezeoha III is passionate about peace, progress, and the economic upliftment of Uvuru. His primary focus is to enhance the well-being of his people, especially the youth, for whom he has already developed a comprehensive growth plan. His desire is for Uvuru to be a prosperous and progressive community, where children excel in education, sports, and other endeavors, and where God, community, and fellow citizens are prioritized.

Family and Legacy:
Ezeoha III is a Knight of Saint Christopher and is married to Ugoeze Lady Mary Chinyere Mbalewe, née Nwalor. The couple has two children, Prince Chijioke and Princess Onyinyechi, who will continue the royal legacy in the future.

About Uvuru:
Uvuru is an Autonomous Community in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, consisting of 12 villages with an estimated population of over 5,100 people according to 2012 census projections. The community’s first traditional ruler, Eze Reuben Ugwuegbulem Mbalewe (Ezeoha I), was officially recognized by the Imo State Government on January 1, 1980, and he set the stage for the leadership and growth of Uvuru.

As Uvuru celebrates the coronation of Ezeoha III, it marks the continuation of a proud and rich royal tradition, as the new monarch prepares to lead with wisdom, service, and dedication to the community’s future.