The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has expressed gratitude to Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Majesty Eberechukwu Oji, for the warm reception accorded her and her husband – Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry – during their recent visit to Nigeria.
Duchess Meghan, in a letter dated May 23, which she personally signed, thanked Eze Eberechukwu Oji “for so generously welcoming me and my husband to the beautiful country of Nigeria”.
She specifically acknowledged with immense thanks the special gift that Eze Aro presented to her on the occasion of the royal visit.
She wrote:
Your Eminence,
I hope this finds you well. It was a pleasure to meet you during our time in Lagos. I wanted to extend my deep gratitude for so generously welcoming me and my husband during our visit to the beautiful country of Nigeria.
It was an honor to meet you and to receive your blessing in addition to the very special gift you kindly presented.
I wish you the very best.
Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex
Eze Eberechukwu Oji was among revered traditional rulers and other distinguished Nigerians who had the honour of interacting with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a private event.
The event, which held on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at the Delborough Hotel, Lagos, was courtesy the Defence Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, Abuja.
Other traditional rulers who graced the occasion included the Obi of Onitsha, HM Igwe Alfred Achebe and Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwaste III.
Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Spain, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, was also among the guests.
The invite was aimed at familiarizing the Royal couple with Nigeria’s rich socio-cultural heritage and equally provide a favourable platform for the Duchess of Sussex to connect with her deep Nigerian ancestry.
Eze Ebechukwu Oji, on that occasion, presented Duchess Meghan with a complete piece customized “Joji” wrapper emblazoned with “Omu Aro” insignia, and honoured her with the prestigious title of “Ada Mazi”.
The latter, in the Arochukwu culture, is accorded only respectable and accomplished ladies.
