A very significant cultural event occurred in the month of November, 2024, as the Ekpe Efik and the Ekpe Aro were reintegrated in a major celebration marking the recognition and honouring of Mazi Achinivu Okorafor, who recently bagged the highest title available to the sect members. 

Even amongst the Efik people themselves, only a few of their indigene have been opportune to be decorated with the honour. 

Arochukwu is often described by historians and cultural anthropologists as a melting pot of cultures due to the convergence and influence of different cultures in the formation of the Aro confederacy. 

Multiple written and oral historical accounts hold that due to population pressures and diminishing agrarian opportunity in the Igbo heartland, two migrant Igbo groups left their previous abodes in search of better prospects for agriculture and trade. They arrived at the rich and dense forest area towards the coast and cohabited with the Ibibio people, who were already settled in the basin.

 Subsequently, the need for collaboration to exploit more of the natural resources, but particularly to develop a safer route to the Atlantic coast, where lucrative trade with foreigners was already going on, dictated an alliance between the Igbo groups and the Ekoi (Akpa) from the upper Cross River in a collaborative war to drive away the Ibibio and occupy the rich land. 

The initial skirmishes and the subsequent full scale war lasted for a while and ultimately resulted in the sacking of the Ibibio people and the settlement of the Akpa group with the Igbo in their new conquered land as they could not go back home due to the loss of their general – Osim – in the war. 

The political formation that followed, arising from realignment, reconciliation and mutual agreement between the three groups accounted for the creation of various Otusi and kindred units, thus completely altering the governance equation of the pre-confederate Arochukwu to its post-Ibibio war structure, and subsequent modifications that produced the present structure. 

So, who is Achinivu Okorafor and what is his background that made this rare achievement possible? A scion of the Okorafor-Uka dynasty, perhaps, the best way to introduce him is by making a direct reference to his late father, the legendary Mazi Prof Chris Aniche Okorafor, a top-notch Aro academician and an icon of our cultural heritage.

Mazi Prof Chris was one of the glamorous and renowned figures that represented the Arochukwu Kingdom very well locally and internationally. 

Though he trained as an accountant, his research works have become landmark reference materials for those interested in studying the history and tradition of the Aro. 

When he died a few years ago, those who assessed him by his level of interest and contributions to Aro history and culture noted that his exit was a major gap in what is needed to sustain the dwindling pure Aro cultural norms and values.

Now, with what his son has done, this statement sounds prophetic because even at death, Mazi Prof Chris Okorafor has continued to be a vanguard in the sustenance of true Arochukwu culture. 

Of course, he would be very appreciative that his son is continuing with what he devoted so much of his life time. So, history was made in the old Calabar on November 15, 2024 when Mazi Albert Achinivu Okorafor, the second son of Mazi Chris Aniche Okorafor, was honoured with the title of Isu Ekpe Bianko by all the Ekpe houses in Ekpe Efik Iboku. 

This is a historical and momentous occasion as Ekpe Aro once again unites with Ekpe Efik, marking a significant milestone in Aro history and strengthening the cultural ties between the Ekpe Efik and Ekpe Aro after centuries of initial contact. 

He was accompanied by esteemed Ekpe Aro leaders, including the Eze Ogo Amuvi, Mazi Thomas Nlenanya Okoroji, who doubles as the Eze Mboko, the Eze Ekpe Amuvi, Ekpe leadership of Bianko and the blessings of His Eminence (Dr) Eberechukwu Kanu Oji, the Eze Aro IX of Arochukwu kingdom. 

Mazi Achinivu Okorafor’s recognition underscores the importance of traditional institutions in modern times. The Ekpe title is a revered symbol of responsibility, respect, and cultural heritage, reflecting the deep roots of the Ekpe society among the Efik, Aro, and related ethnic groups in Nigeria’s Cross River basin. The Ekpe title is respected, and carries with it responsibilities and reverence in the socio-cultural fabric of the Efik, Aro and related societies. 

This recognition signifies the strengthening of ties and cultural exchanges between the Efiks and Aro, which is now being rekindled underlining the importance of traditional institutions in contemporary times. 

This honour cannot have come at a more auspicious moment such as now when the Arochukwu Kingdom is in a transformative mood following the rebranding initiatives of His Eminence, Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji and his avowed interest to reinvent the kingdom’s glorious past via a renaissance that is currently taking place. 

Arochukwu kingdom is in a throes of making history once again as its brand new monarch, having seen what waste the kingdom witnessed in recent past, is determined to steer a new course and reconnect it back to its roots. 

Rediscovering and bringing back those finest qualities and values that distinguished the Aro nation and made it to be a people so much revered by the entire Igbo race, is part of the agenda of both the Arochukwu throne and Nzuko Arochukwu Worldwide. 

So, this honour is timely and should be something to ginger the youths to appreciate that recognition could be earned even from a faraway land if one adequately prepares himself by leading a noble and impactful life. This historic event which has brought honour to the kingdom celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Nigeria’s communities and highlights the significance of tradition in the development of communities and the importance of preserving traditional institutions for the civilization of the present and future generations. 

Congratulations, Obong Ekpe!