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Aro In Circulating Media Of Exchange

Prof. Chris Aniche Okorafor

There is a general acceptance in the history of the
South Eastern Nigeria that the Aro revolutionalized
the practice of commerce by standardizing monetary
currencies within the region. The Aro were no less
economists as other renowned ones such as John Law
(1671 - 1729) the Scottish Financier who in his book
‘Money and Trade Considered’ wrote that “National
Power and Wealth consists in numbers of People, and
Magazines of Home and Foreign Goods. These depend on
Trade, and Trade depends on Money.” It is no big
surprise therefore; that at least two nations have Aro
related themes on their currencies. The Central Bank
of Nigeria N10 note is one and carries the picture of
Dr. Azinna Alvan Ikoku (1900 -1971). The degree of his
excellence in worthy human activity cannot be
overemphasized. Pages 18 and 19 of the Dedication
Brochure of St. Thomas Catholic Church Parish, Amuvi,
present a peep-hole into the spiritual and material
works of Mary Slessor in the planting of the Gospel in
Arochukwu and its neighborhood. She is there also
quoted to have said that the Gospel should have been
the first to enter Aro territory, but that since the
sword and gun preceded the Good News of God’s
relationship to humankind, she definitely had to
promptly move into the area. These her thoughts, based
on her biography which I owe to the library of Mazi
Godwin Udoh, were sequel to her abandoning the
expansion of her Mission Stations in 1900 very “much
against her will. She was ordered back to Creek Town,
as the Government was obliged to send out troops
against the Aros, who refused to submit to
Government.” Her saintly life has been commemorated
in a new Scottish ₤10 note which again spotlights Aro.
The illustration on this currency note depicts the
steamer Ethiopia in which she set sail on Monday Eke,
5th August, 1876, at the age of twenty-eight, as a
United Presbyterian Church Missionary teacher for
Calabar. Also included are two of her portraits. In one
she is shown meditatively studying the Scriptures,
while in the other she is shown nurturing twins she had
saved from elimination under the prevailing custom
that regarded them as heinous abnormalities. The
mothers of twins or widows who merited expulsion from
society, sale into slavery or outright death are shown
standing by the thatched house in the background.
Central to the layout is a map shrouded in an honors
wreath with Stars and St. Andrew’s Crosses. This map
illustrates what the article in the Brochure refers to
as “given her hardy nature and spiritual drive, she
flanked off the Cross River and spread the good news
along the territories flanking the Enyong Creek.” The
map depicts her point of entry in Calabar Estuary and
traces her missionary journeys to her key Mission
Stations in Arochukwu, Ibibio and Ekoi territories
within neighborhood of the confluence of the Enyong
and Cross Rivers. Two key locations specifically
indicated are AROCHUKWU and Amasu, its river port.
These her riverine missionary journeys were saddled
with not only the risks and hardship of endemic
diseases of malaria, gastroenteritis etc., but also
included occasional near-miss encounter with
hippopotamuses. According to her biographer, “at
Arochukwu … when she was embarking for home she was
pressed on all hands to come back soon. She lay back in
her canoe, thanking God for prospering her
undertakings, and admiring the loveliness of the
landscape around her. Enyong Creek, the scene of most
fearful wickedness and anguish, the hotbed of slave-
trade and superstition, was beautiful. Tropical trees
lined the banks, their branches often interlacing — the
fallen trunks having their hollows full of lovely
orchids and ferns; the surface of the water bearing
pretty water lilies; blue kingfishers and yellow palm
birds flitting through the foliage overhead as the
canoe slips softly along the waterway. Miss Slessor
knew all about the Aros and the Long Juju with its wily
slave-trade system. Whilst in Okoyong she had had
visitors from Arochukwu, with their tales of cruelty
and wrong, and had already won a place in the hearts of
many of their chiefs. And now she had received a
welcome from the men who themselves were responsible
for the wicked slave traffic carried on by the
superstition of the Long Juju, and had stood on the
very spot itself where the iniquitous practice was
carried on.”

Most of us do not have any ‘skin pain’ in the choice of
words by Miss Slessor’s biographer. We know that all
nations have histories laden with “the good, the bad and
the ugly.” For Aro and the Aro, Mary Slessor “who
knew all about the Aros and the Long Juju”, Luke: 7:47
was very pertinent in that it is written that “for this
reason I tell you that her sins, her many sins, must
have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown
such great love. It is the man who is forgiven little
who shows little love.” There appears to be some kind
of a paradox in that the foreign concept that designed
and issued this ₤10 note was not and is not as much a
beneficiary as the one that changed the little street in
Calabar previously known as Mary Slessor Street to
some ex-senator’s name. Such are the ways of mankind.
God bless Nigeria. In closing, I extend good wishes of
the Easter to our Brother Jonathan Okereke (Aloma)
who mailed in the pound note from Britain.

Aro Queen Beauty Pageant Show Miss Nkechinyere
Okereke Emerges Most Pretty Girl!!

By Nwamazi Emeka Aniche

Never in the history of beauty pageants in Arochukwu
Kingdom has such a high level of planning and
organization been witnessed nor such a large number of
audience been recorded, as in the just concluded Aro
Queen Beauty Pageant. This novelty of sort became a
reality in the aforementioned maiden edition of the Aro
Queen Beauty Pageant, which took place at Amuvi,
Arochukwu on Saturday, 27 December 2003. Getting
into the venue of the show certainly gave a hint that
the pageant was going to be a memorable show. There
was a traffic jam caused by cars and human traffic
trying to get into the venue of the show. The Policemen
manning the entrance gate had a herculean task trying
to control the crowd. The venue was outdoor. The stage
was breathtakingly beautiful. The show as usual, by
‘African time’ started late. The delay notwithstanding,
a huge crowd waited patiently and defied the very cold
harmattan weather outdoor to witness the crowning of
the new queen. The audience was a mixture of people of
all ages. It was a family affair, as parents came with
their children. The event, which had 12 finalists
jostling for the coveted “throne”, had as judges, Mr.
Afam Kanu, Treasury Manager, IEA Limited; Mrs. F.
Okafor, representing Ayman Enterprises Limited; and
Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Christy Nwokoro. Mr. Uche Ogbuagu, a.
k.a. Talkinson International and Sacremento who
compered the show made the audience to roll on the
floor with laughter, with their jokes. United Mega
Stars Band and other artistes were there to keep the
show alive as they thrilled the guests with their music.
The contestants first made an opening non-scoring
appearance on stage, in which they appeared on T-
Shirts and jeans trousers. This was quickly followed by
appearance in traditional attires, which added color to
the occasion. The evening gown segment followed. Uche
Ogbuagu interviewed the finalists on-stage. After all
the rituals that usually attend beauty pageants of that
nature have been concluded, Sacramento was given the
responsibility to announce the results which saw Miss
Nkechinyere Okereke, a 21-year old student of
University of Uyo, emerging as winner. Chinyere
Okoroafor was the 1st runners-up; Ifeyinwa Iphie –
2nd runners-up; Queen Orji – 3rd runners-up; while
Agodi Elekwa was the 4th runners-up. The new beauty
queen got a N20, 000.00 cash, a color television set
(donated by Ayman Enterprises Limited), Certificate of
Achievement from Arochukwu Network, beauty care
products, and one year free beauty soaps and laundry
soaps supply from International Equitable Association
Limited, Aba, Nigeria. The 1st runners-up got a N15,
000.00 cash, a VCD set (donated by Ayman Enterprises
Limited), Beauty care products, a Certificate of
Achievement., The 2nd runners-up was not left out in
the largesse as she got N15,000.00 cash and beauty
care products. Prizes were also awarded for the best
Evening Gown and Traditional Attire, which was won by
Miss Ifeyinwa Iphie and Miss Chinyere Okoroafor
respectively. The beauty pageant is historic in the
sense that the organizers of the Pageant did not allow
contestants to go home empty handed. Other side
attractions during the show included the Amigos Hair
Products Parade, in which beautiful damsels wearing
various Amigos Hair Style products entertained the
audience with their catwalks on stage. Jennifer
Nnaekpe from University of Uyo and Chioma Nwokoro
mimed a song by Deborah Cox. There was scintillating
fireworks display. The audience, the contestants and
the artistes had lots of fun. The money raised from the
gate takings of the show will be channeled towards the
building of the only community secondary school in
Arochukwu: The Comprehensive Secondary School,
Amuvi. Aros can not help longing for a repeat of the
classy event this year.

Arochukwu On The Scottish Pound Note

The Scottish government recently issued a new ten
pound note with a map of Mary Slessor’s route into
Arochukwu and other settlements of old South Eastern
Nigeria. This is the first time the name of any town in
Nigeria would appear on the currency of any other
country, especially in Europe. It is indeed an epoch
making event and an achievement worth celebrating.
While we celebrate the life and the time of Mary
Slessor, we also recognize the great contributions of
Aro’s ingenious forebears in diplomacy, conflict
resolution, culture, tradition, trade and enterprise. We
salute the singular courage, vision and sacrifice of
Mary Slessor and other missionaries who brought
knowledge and development through their activities in
Africa. No honor is too great in recognition of the
enormous sacrifices they made for the benefit of
humanity.

A New Beginning

27th January, 2005 marked the contract signing
ceremonies for the construction of Aro- Ohafia-
Abriba-Umahia road. That epoch making event
brought to an end years of agony, unnecessary
hardship and such other distracting problems
which Aro people had to bear for years as a result
of very bad unmotorable roads. Aro has been
without good roads for as long as one can
remember. That paralytic condition slowed down
meaningful growth; depleted enormous potentials
and wrecked incalculable havoc on Aro's strength
and vibrancy. The campaign for the construction
of the road was long, passionate and sustained.
Complaints were lodged at every available forum,
or whenever the opportunity arose for Aro to
speak at any occasion. Aro people are grateful to
the present administration for answering Aro's
singular prayer said with utmost devotion and
passion for generations. We thank Sen. Adeseye
Ogunlewe, the current Minister for Works.
Worthy of mention is the role played by some Aro
sons prominent among whom is Hon. Mao
Ohuabunwa. He was resolute and undeterred in the
struggle. Aro will never forget his sustained and
positive contributions toward the realization of
the dream. We equally acknowledge the efforts of
Mazi Kanu Ivi, Nzuko Aro President-General, Oji
Ogbonnanya Oji and others who made a strong
representation to the Federal Ministry of Works
last year. Also, for nearly a decade Aro News
stable led by the Editor-in-Chief, Mazi Azubike
Okoro and the Editor, Ben Ezumah spearheaded a
relentless campaign for the provision of basic
amenities in Aro by governments at all levels.
Maintaining that such is the barest minimum of
obligation any government owes a law abiding and
responsible citizenry. We are happy that all the
efforts have started yielding good fruits. For the
contractor, there is no reason why Harpel cannot
deliver a high quality job and, on time too. As a
truly indigenous company its social responsibility
and love for Aro must be underscored in every
inch of that road. It must be built with a minimum
of ten year guarantee in mind. With funds fully
released for the work, Aro expects nothing but
the best from Messrs Hapel Nig. Ltd

Agenda for New Nzuko Aro Leadership

“... Management By Objectives”

First, we congratulate Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi and
his team for their well deserved election into
Nzuko Aro’s EXCO. Indeed, it couldn’t have come
at any other time than now. For one, Mazi Ivi is a
worthy son and has over the years shown diligence
and service in pursuit and protection of Aro
interests at home and abroad. Thus, his election
as the President- General of Nzuko Aro last
December is commendable and heartwarming. It
goes without saying that Aro is currently at the
crossroads. Many things definitely require urgent
attention and redress. For Mazi Ivi and his
cabinet to succeed, they must make a study of Aro’
s major problems - both physical and non-physical
and conscientiously pursue policies aimed
primarily at eradicating or reducing such
problems. The issue of why Aro has consistently
been a victim of years of gross and criminal
neglect by successive governments in Abia State
and the Federal Government must be given
priority attention with the view to seeking
redress. Other major issues of concern include
gross absence of social amenities such as roads,
pipe borne water, educational facilities, town-hall,
a befitting palace for the Eze Aro throne,
employment generation, poverty reductions,
provision of primary health care, and so on. Some
other laudable programs which this EXCO ought
to give priority attention were addressed in our
Xmas 2003 edition. We shall repeat some of them
here for emphasis:-

“... as new helmsmen take over the leadership of
Nzuko Aro this season, we make bold to reiterate
the need for Aro history and civilization to be
institutionalized with the stamp of the palace and
the Okpankpo. Furthermore, we wish to renew the
call for the building of a befitting palace for the
Eze-Aro throne as this will enhance tourism,
radiance and respect for the king, interest and
internally generated revenue. We call for the
building of a museum, at the long juju grove and
the rehabilitation of the Ulonta Okoroji - in
order to deliver such historic places from
asphyxiation, atrophy, and inertia. Also, there is
no luxury or illusion in the call for the creation
of a site on the internet by the authorities of the
land for the propagation of Aro history and
civilization. We also call for the creation of an
Information Desk/Office in order to facilitate
easy flow of information especially for tourists
and historians. Nzuko Aro has the potentials to
deliver Aro from itself by offering purposeful
leadership and vision that will impact positively
on the life of the people.....”

These major problems must be solved in order to
reduce social tension, youth restiveness, poverty,
disease and death in our community. Furthermore,
the new EXCO may not hold the panacea for all
the problems confronting Aro but they can become
vehicles of change, transformation and meaningful
progress. Thus, Mazi Ivi led EXCO must avoid
playing to the gallery, maintaining the status quo
or the siddon look syndrome which only paralyzes
and impedes progress. They should avoid empty
posturing which in the end do not add value to the
life of the people. In this regard, we note with
delight the action already being taken by the new
leadership to set a purposeful agenda for itself.
Indeed, without measurable, realistic and specific
targets and goals, no meaningful appraisal could
be undertaken on the performance of this
administration at the end of its tenure. Therein
lies the essence of the managerial principle of
management by objectives which it has adopted.
Aros have been requested to make some strategic
information available as guides. Also, a list of
prominent umu Aro within and outside the country
is being compiled. Challenges already identified by
the leadership include:- revitalization of Nzuko
Aro, restoration of traditional institutions and
values, education and youth development,
completion of civic hall, etc. This is a very
commendable effort which must be sustained. As
the saying goes, a problem identified is one
already half solved. That Aro is in dire straits
goes without saying; that Aro has suffered
immense stagnation over the years is no news;
that Aro squandered the opportunities it had to
be great is regrettable and, indeed annoying. That
is the more reason why Aro needs men of courage
and vision not charlatans and journeymen at this
point in its chequered history. Aro requires
reform; radical change that would jump-start it
from depths of lethargy and stagnation. Things
need not, and should not remain the way they have
been. The hundred years following the expedition
had been more or less lacklustre, uneventful and
without meaningful progress. The time to move on
is now. Aro must connect to the immense
potentialities and possibilities of the new world
order. The fires of enterprise extinguished in
our hundred years of deep slumber must be
enkindled so as to bring back vibrancy, vision and
frontier spirits of the Aros of old. Expectations
are high, so is the enormous confidence reposed in
Mazi Ivi and his team. They must not fail to
uplift Aro from her parlous state to greater
heights. The choice is theirs, to etch their names
in gold or ruin a life opportunity. The former is
the most honourable and viable option for the men
and Aro alike. As His Majesty, Mazi Ogbonnaya
Okoro (CFR), Eze Aro of Arochukwu is wont to
caution; Aro expects all to do their duty.

“... On Moves to Take Over Aro News”

In a related development, we note with delight the
current efforts by the new leadership to acquire
or strongly buy into Aro News Newspaper as a
core investor with the aim to jointly run the
outfit for the lasting interest of the community.
The enlightenment and developmental roles of a
community based publication such as the Aro News
in the growth and transformation of the town can
not be over emphasized. It would be recalled that
far back in 1997 two Aro sons in Abuja saw the
gap created by the non-existence and high
mortality rate of Aro- based tabloids and took
steps to redress the situation. Since then, the
quarterly has consistently appeared at
newsstands in most Aro settlements in Nigeria
and select spots overseas. Also, the financial
burden for sustaining the enterprise has largely
rested on these two illustrious Aro sons. The
current moves will, perhaps, involve the transfer
of the rights, privileges and obligations of
Publisher of the Newspaper to Nzuko Aro
including the appointment of a Managing Editor to
oversee its interests while the present Editor-In-
Chief and Editor will remain. This new
arrangement and structure, which is expected to
be at no cost to Nzuko Aro, will not only ensure
that the medium remains in perpetuity to serve
Aro interests but will also reduce the financial
commitment of these worthy sons in the
Newspaper venture. This move therefore, is a
right step in the right direction. Indeed, a new
course is being charted. A new direction is being
parted. No more shall what will benefit the
generality of umu Aro be toyed with. No more
shall the ship of our community be left to drift in
a rudderless manner. Shall we have cause to hail
the arrival of a Daniel on the throne of judgement
of history? Time shall definitely tell. A day of
reckoning is a certainty because the judgement of
history is inescapable. Good luck.

Contest for Nzuko Aro Top Seat -
Ivi Wins, Imoko Bids Time, Jeff Plans Ahead &
Udoagwu Worsted...

By Azubike Okoro

In an atmosphere devoid of the usual political or
electoral wrangling but certainly not without tension,
the Lagos-based professional accountant and chief
executive of Target Finance Ltd, Mazi E K O Ivi on
December 26th, 2004 won the coveted top most seat of
Nzuko Aro. The emergence of Mazi Ivi as president-
general instantly put to rest the various speculations
and scheming, including their counters, as to who
becomes the next boss of Aros’ umbrella union. The
election which held at the civic/cultural centre after
the annual general meeting of Nzuko Aro was conducted
very peacefully by Professor Umozurike Orji
Umozurike. Immediately after the house was dissolved
and professor Umozurike appointed as returning officer,
he informed the electorate that Option A4 electoral
system will be adopted. This, according to him, was to
“ensure confidentiality and guarantee acceptability”.
The system simply meant that voters would file behind
the candidates of their choice for very elective
position. For the position of president-general, Mazi
Ogbonnaya Udoagwu, immediate past president of
AROSON contested against Mazi Ivi but lost badly. The
surprising emergence of Mazi Udoagwu as a candidate,
the sudden lack of interest shown by Mazi Dave Imoko
and the abrupt withdrawal of Mazi Jeff Onyeador,
initially perceived as strong contender, were puzzles
which pundits laboured to explain after the whole
election. After the election of the president-general.,
most other officers emerged un-opposed. This included
the positions of 1st and 2nd vice presidents won by
Elder Nnnamdi Udo and Dr Nkemakolam, general-
secretary and the assistant won by Mazi Alex Ekubo and
Mazi Emma Onyema, financial secretaryship won by
Ogbonnaya Ugboaja and publicity secretary position won
by Ernie Onwumere. Barrister Ndionyenma Nwankwo was
elected legal adviser. The treasurer position was
however, hotly contested by the former incumbent, Mazi
T C Ngwu and Dr Gibson Okorafor with Dr Okorafor
emerging winner. In line with the constitution of the
union, the following personalities were elected as ex-
officio members - immediate past president-general,
Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Sir Dave Imoko, Mazi Rowland
Igwe, Sir Jeff Onyeador and Mazi Emma O Kanu. In his
acceptance speech, Mazi Ivi ascribed his victory to that
of all umu Aro and promised to consult people before
taking decisions. The new EXCO will not perform magic,
he noted, if umu Aro fail to provide the necessary
support and encouragement. While continuing, Mazzi Ivi
thanked his predecessor for his steadfastness in
championing the cause of Aro despite the non-chalant
attitude of many. He assured him that God will, in His
infinite mercy reward him. Earlier in his validatory
speech, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa thanked all Aros for their
support during his 12 years of service as secretary-
general and president-general. He advised the new EXCO
to, despite obstacles, concentrate on mobilization of
branches, generation of new ideas for running the union,
security of Arochukwu community, emancipation of the
town politically and ways of sustaining the Eze Aro and
Ndi Eze Ogos. Other targets he suggested for the new
leadership included the completion of the civic/cultural
centre. Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, not known for failing to
advance his born-again cause, finally enjoined them to
depend on God Jehovah through Jesus Christ for the
total liberation of the town. After the elections, Mazi
Jeff Onyeador, previously tipped as a strong contender
to the number one position told Aro News that it was
very mischievous for people to have insinuated that he
was interested in the president-general slot. This was,
according to him, because throughout the politicking
exercise that characterized the pre-election months, he
remained in Mazi Ivi’s camp as a loyalist. Mazi Kanu Ivi,
who is my close friend, was the only candidate I
promoted because we planned together, he told our
correspondent. Mazi Jeff told Aro News that he was
though, not unaware of the behind -the -scene
manoeuvrers of some people who were bent on spoiling
his chances in the future. Our Correspondent leant that
his nomination as a candidate in the first place, was
part of this grand design. However, Mazi Jeff, an
Owerri- based Insurance broker and socialite confirmed
that he is a candidate to watch as far as Nzuko Aro
leadership was concerned. “I have my plans, and God
willing, I will surprise people in the years ahead”, he
observed. The obviously elated Jeff boasted of the
victory of his camp at the election and requested for
support from all to the Ivi -led leadership. According to
him, with the election of Mazi Ivi, Aro will soon witness
new vibrancy in the affairs of the town as the man is
very intelligent and committed to every cause he sets
his mind on. However, some respondents saw Mazi Jeff’s
abrupt withdrawal from the race as an intelligent
response to the gathering storm which he saw ahead. The
candidacy of Mazi Ivi, according to them, was already
discussed, sealed and accepted by all including the
traditional authorities of the land who saw in him the
best route for attaining the reversal of the declining
cultural heritage of the ancient town. Aro News was
informed that as part of the scheme, the next favoured
contender, Mazi Imoko was asked to wait for the next
opportunity by the power brokers while Mazi Udoagwu
who became obstinate and tried his luck was greatly
worsted during the election. While speaking to Aro
News on his reactions to the election, Mazi Imoko
maintained that his candidacy was at the first instance
promoted by people who believe that he has good
credentials for the job. I never really declared interest
personally, he noted. Also, Mazi Dave denied that there
was an arrangement whereby he was made to step down
now in order to take a turn in future even as he
confirmed that he might be available to serve in the
future. Whatever that will happen in future, people
contend, belong to the future but certain things are
given, whomever becomes the boss of Nzuko Aro must
possess certain observable qualities in good measure to
merit the backing of the power brokers. So powerful was
the planning of the Ivi candidacy was, we leant, that an
over 40 years old tradition which has to do with the
opposition of candidates from a particular kindred from
leading the union was broken. It will be recalled that
Mazi Ivi who narrowly missed the post in the past, had
allegedly decided to take things easy to allow it work
out naturally if it was the will of God. This attitude, we
leant, was as a result of the way he was treated during
that election.. However, his apologists who were bent on
his securing the seat presently see it as the best way to
pacify him and also secure lasting peace between him and
the past leadership. However, the candidacy of Mazi Ivi
in the current election was said to have been promoted
unofficially by the traditional authorities who see in him
the best opportunity of ensuring the revival of some of
Aro’s acclaimed traditional observances that were
neglected during the tenure of the past executive. The
backing of the Aro throne for his candidacy was equally
believed to be a way of paying him back for his generous
support to the palace. Certainly, Aros have invested
heavily in the candidacy of Mazi Ivi, especially going by
the landslide victory he recorded at the election. Ivi
also seems to have commenced the journey on a sound
democratic platform as attested to by his recourse to
advise seeking and consultation sessions. The entire
community are obviously expecting a good measure of
achievements which will be commensurate with their
investment. Will Mazi Ivi re-write history? Aros are
waiting for events to start unfolding.

Eze Ogbonnaya Okoro: One Decade of Peaceful Reign

The year 2005 marks the tenth anniversary of the
ascension to the Aro throne of His Royal Majesty, Mazi
Ogbonnaya Okoro, CFR. Aro has enjoyed relative peace
engendering the meaningful development made in a number
of areas so far. This alone is a great achievement going
by the season of anomie, rancour and struggle which
characterized and preceded the journey to the throne.
We are happy with the bulwark of support and good will
which his majesty enjoys from his subjects and
outsiders alike. For one, he has conducted himself with
candour, dignity, grace honour, temperance, and humility.
Thus endearing himself to not a few people. Under his
watch, in the past ten years Arochukwu witnessed
stability and progress in all spheres. Eze Aro gained
national prominence with his receipt of the national
honour of the Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR.
That by no means bolstered the image of Arochukwu as
well as the Eze Aro throne. Presently, he is the Vice
Chairman of Abia State Council of Ndi Ezi. It is an
endorsement for his wisdom, integrity and
forthrightness. We must commend the Eze Aro for his
understanding and penetrative insight especially in
adjudications and handling of potentially strife ridden
issues such as the creation of autonomous communities,
an issue that portended problems and the balkanisation
of Arochukwu. Wisdom, temperance and patience in the
end won, marking him out for the virtues which are
richly endowed in him and for which we celebrate him
this season. Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro has remained
focused in championing Aro agenda at every forum within
Nigeria and overseas. As the standard bearer of our
community he is a model, in exemplary leadership. He is
the custodian of our cultural and traditional integrity
and aggregates the ideals and aspirations of the Aro
people at home and the Diaspora. As his peaceful reign
enters a new decade this season we call on Aro people
again for the construction of a new palace befitting the
high office of the Eze Aro. We believe this is
imperative, expedient and inexcusable. Congratulations,
HM Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro, CFR; and May God grant you
renewed vision, strength and good health in the more
challenging years ahead.

HRH, Eze Obinani Nwosu Nwafor Otti (1921-2005)
-Tribute to a Great Aro Son

On 27th December, 2005, HRH, Eze Calistus Obinani
Nwosu (Anuka-Ekwe11) Eze VI of Ajalli was laid to rest
in a befitting ceremony. His passage at the ripe age of
84 drew the curtain on his peaceful and eventful reign
which commenced in 1981. A good man; he was well loved
by his people. Also, he was well known for his wisdom,
temperance, humility, candor and vision. Those qualities
underscored his reign and brought development to Ajalli
land. It’s hoped that his royal transition will indeed
become a unifying factor with dissenting groups closing
ranks for the development of the community. HRH, Eze
Nwosu (Igirigi-Ogu 11) was a man of peace; he fought
for it, preached and maintained it.

A benefiting honor to his memory should be for all
parties in the contentious issues which polarized Ajalli
of late to bury the hatchet by allowing bygones be
bygones. Peace is critical to meaningful development; the
interest of present and future generations is encouched
in it. Furthermore, the peculiar history and geography of
Ajalli just like modern Israel make it imperative for
peace to be maintained within its fragile borders in
order to ward off the aggressive tendencies of its
unfriendly neighbors. The time to work assiduously for
peace is now and the passage of HRH, Eze Obinani
Nwosu (Otigbu-Inyinya 1) offers a good opportunity to
all warring parties to cease fire. That is the only
reasonable path to follow if the late Eze’s vision and
legacies of meaningful development and peaceful co-
existence is to be sustained in Ajalli. The entire umu-
Ajalli particularly those currently in authority,
especially the President-General, Ajalli Welfare Union
(Men’s Wing), Mazi Bruno Nwankwo (Ugonnia) and the
leader of the Women’s Wing, Deaconess (Mrs.) Ihuoma
Okoli would be instrumental in creating an enabling
environment for the enthronement of peace, justice and
meaningful development. Adieu, Ogbunanwata 11; nwa Aro
Okigbo.