* Abia govt presents Staff of Office, Certificate of Recognition to new Eze
* Umu Aro hopeful of 5-star royal leadership
* Eze Aro: Mine will be peaceful reign, with fear of God
By Patrick Asonye and Ugo Okoro
Arochukwu Kingdom is now experiencing desired calm after the crowning of Engineer Eberechukwu Oji as Eze Aro IX, and the presentation of Staff of Office and Certificate of Recognition – both insignia of his exalted throne – by the Abia State government.
Prior to his crowning, Arochukwu Kingdom was tense, and divided along interest lines, no thanks to the disputation that arose from the selection process.
Presenting the Staff of Office at the headquarters of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on January 26, 2024, the Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, charged the Eze Aro to ensure peace, unity, law and order among his people and to rule with the fear of God.
The commissioner clarified – for the avoidance of doubt – that the State government had no hand in the selection process of the new Eze Aro, but only followed extant law in respect of the autonomous communities in the State.
“I want to encourage the people of Arochukwu. They have shown resilience. It’s been a long process of selecting and presenting their Eze. Initially there were issues and there were factions but then, a panel of inquiry was set up by the government, and they gave their recommendations upon which the government issued a White Paper, and based on the White Paper, they were asked to go and do the right thing which they have done and then the government has also put a seal of approval on that which the people did.
“I also want to reiterate for the umpteenth time; the government had no hand in the process of selection of Eze Aro, but what the government has always insisted on is that the people (should) follow the processes as documented in the constitution that we have here with us. That guides the autonomous communities, and they have done that and His Excellency has given his seal of approval to that which the people have done,” Nwachukwu said.
The commissioner congratulated the Eze Aro and Arochukwu people on the feat they achieved.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Florence Chigbu, and the Director, Chieftaincy Affairs Department, Mr. Chuka Agomuo, explained that Arochukwu people did not only follow their tradition, but also passed through due process in selecting the new Eze.
New dawn in Arochukwu Kingdom
Responding after receiving his Staff of Office, Eze Eberechukwu Oji thanked the governor for his tireless effort at resolving the Ezeship tussle in Arochukwu, adding that the event marked a turning point in the kingdom.
He promised to run a peaceful, inclusive and righteous government, declaring that “this is the dawn of a new era in Arochukwu.
He said: Dear Umu Aro, Ndi Abia, and our beloved Governor His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by the Hon Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; all leaders from various arms of Government in Abia State; all special guests; and gentlemen of the press.
“Today, I first of all raise an altar of highest appreciation and praise to my maker, the Almighty God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the King of Kings, for placing me on this pedestal of royal honour and making this day possible. To God alone goes all the glory.
“This, indeed, is a monumental moment in the history of our renowned Aro Kingdom, a moment woven with the threads of history, destiny, resilience, renaissance and the promise of a vibrant tomorrow. This is also a surprising, epic chapter in my life, as the thought of becoming a king was not my immediate preoccupation amid my engaging professional career. As I stand before you all, humbled and honoured by the trust placed in me as your Eze Aro, I am reminded of the fact that God is the one who orchestrates the destinies of men. He chose me for this moment and I am reminded of the weight of profound responsibilities bestowed upon my shoulders, to guide our kingdom into a new era of unprecedented unity, progress, prosperity and restoration.
“In the evolution of our proud heritage, the Eze Aro throne has been a symbol of our collective strength, a beacon of our unity, and a custodian of our cherished traditions. The recent contestations for the throne were not merely trials of ambition but tests of our resolve, and today, I extend my hand in brotherhood and love to all princes of our dear kingdom, for in unity lies our true power. As our elders would say, “Igwe bu ike”.
“It was unity and wisdom that have preserved our ancient kingdom through the centuries. It was unity and resilience that made the Arochukwu Kingdom continue to thrive till today as Aro people are found in over 350 Diaspora communities in rural old Eastern Nigeria and beyond. Now, more than ever, we need that unity of purpose to reinforce the commitment to our kingdom’s legacy. Let us embrace the new horizon that beckons us – a future where our differences are woven into the rich fabric of our Aro-ness, where collaboration supersedes contention, and where our collective aspirations propel us forward.
“I pledge before you today, not as a ruler, but as a servant-leader devoted to the prosperity and well-being of every individual within our kingdom, keeping with our age-long leadership lessons ‘ana eso Aro eso, anaghi achi Aro achi’.
“I commit to fostering an environment where every voice is heard, where every dream is nurtured, and where every member of our society finds their place in the sun. With humility as my compass, magnanimity as my guide, and selflessness as my creed. I vow to bridge the divides that have hindered our progress. I promise to lead with the fear of God and respect that carries everyone along.
“I pledge to bring utmost dignity and attract the highest respect to the throne of Eze Aro which must command national estimation and due recognition as a first-class monarchy. I will, God helping me, elevate the Aro Kingdom to new heights of glory and development. In doing this, I will put God first and will uphold and preserve our age-long cultural identity.
“As I ascend to this revered throne, I call upon all sons and daughters of Arochukwu to join hands with me in this noble endeavour. I cannot do it alone. I will need the wise counsel of our elders and the unwavering support of everyone to write a new chapter in the annals of our history – one adorned with the virtues of unity, harmony, and progress. Together, we shall elevate the Eze Aro throne and the kingdom to heights unparalleled, earning the esteemed recognition that our heritage rightfully deserves in Nigeria.
“Now, let me take this moment to render honour and gratitude to all who have in one way or the other made my journey to this day a reality.
“Once again, I thank God Almighty who gave me breath and found me worthy despite my imperfections. I believe that Arochukwu Kingdom has the potential to be a bastion of hope, progress, and prosperity. We are blessed with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a resilient people. All that we need is to unite under one vision, one purpose, and one God.
“As we embark on this new dawn of our history, let us remember our kingdom aphorism: ‘Ako Bu Ije’. Let wisdom guide us.
May our unity be the torch that illuminates our path to greatness.
Long live the Arochukwu Kingdom!
Lessons from forebears
Specifically, and with a sense of nostalgia, Eze Ebecrehukwu Oji said:
“I remember with nostalgia the excellence in leadership that my grandfather, Mazi Kanu Oji, used to run the kingdom and I am trusting God that with His help, we will follow in his footsteps and run a kingdom that is peaceful; a kingdom that is prosperous; a kingdom that is inclusive; a kingdom that unleashes the talent of everyone that belongs to Arochukwu Kingdom – both young and old.
“It is my desire that we live in unity and we will maintain absolute balance in everything we will do in the kingdom; Arochukwu will become a model of what traditional Igbo leadership represents,” the new king added.
Okennachi Kindred, selection process and protestation
The Okennachi Kindred – with the consent of the Royal Family – presided over the selection process, which threw up Engr. Eberechukwu Oji as Eze Aro-designate.
In fact, the contest was between Eberechukwu Oji and his cousin, Prince Godwin Idei.
Following through a rigorous process – in which both contestants and their backers wholeheartedly participated – Eberechukwu Oji emerged as Eze Aro-designate.
Wedge in the wheel
However, and curiously, Prince Godwin Idei rejected the outcome, alleging “compromise”.
Subsequently, matters went haywire.
The then Eze Ibom Isii, Mazi Kanu Nwa Kanu, claimed that he had crowned Prince Godwin Idei as new Eze Aro, in flagrant disregard for the process the Okennachi Kindred had instituted and faithfully followed through.
Hence dichotomy crept into Arochukwu Kingdom, which portended a possible breakdown of law and order.
Peace initiatives
It took the leadership of Nzuko Aro Worldwide, National Patrons and major stakeholders in Arochukwu to manage the situation.
While the government encouraged Arochukwu Kingdom to resolve the imbroglio, it put a restraining order against any coronation ceremony until the issue was resolved.
Eze Ibom Isii suspended, dethroned
Earlier, the government had suspended Eze Kanu Nwa Kanu Okereke of Ibom Isii from office over his alleged role in the kingship tussle.
The government’s letter suspending Mazi Kanu Nwa Kanu was signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu dated October 25, 2023.
The letter read:
“You are hereby suspended from office as a traditional ruler of Ibom Isii, Arochukwu Kingdom, for flouting the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers in Abia State, and the Autonomous Communities Law; via abuse of office and established cases of flagrant disregard of the official directive of the government.
“A Disciplinary Committee has been set up to further investigate your activities and advise the government on the next steps to be taken…”
The disciplinary committee, Aro News later learned, indicted Mazi Kanu Nwa Kanu, and dethroned him as Eze Ibom Isii.
His dethroning paved the way for the selection of a new Eze Ibom Isii, Mazi Amos Ngwu Egbu Okoro who has already been recognised by the State government.
Progressive Engagements/Inclusiveness
Having been formally certified as Eze Aro, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Eberechukwu Oji, has decisively “hit the ground running”.
Against the backdrop of ‘ana eso Aro eso, anaghi achi Aro achi’ dictum, precisely on February 25, 2024, the new monarch had an engagement with Umu Aro all over the world. It was an online meeting titled ‘Ububo with Eze Aro’ in which no fewer than 500 Umu Aro in different parts of the world – for over two hours – engaged their new King with penetrating questions regarding his vision and mission for the kingdom.
In that elite audience, the new king unveiled the compass of his leadership agenda, and without a modicum of doubt, his sterling qualities, which have earned him the exceptional career accomplishments.
From a random sampling of those who participated in the session, Aro News learned that not a few Umu Aro are satisfied with the king they have, going forward.
And back home in Arochukwu homeland, there are obvious signs that things are already looking up, as Eze Eberechukwu Oji has vigorously started to implement his agenda in earnest.
As one conversant with community leadership ethos, HRM Eze Eberechukwu Oji has begun progressive engagements with different stakeholders in the kingdom, chiefly Ndi Eze Ogo; Nzuko Aro Worldwide including the women’s wing, National Patrons, President-Generals and Secretary-Generals of the village unions, the resourcefully vibrant Aro youth populace, security agencies, not forgetting the Aro intelligential.
Meanwhile, after the official recognition of Eze Eberechukwu Oji as Eze Aro, our investigations revealed that there were a few court cases instituted against his emergence as Eze Aro.
It is however reported that well-meaning Umu Aro are working round the clock to resolve the matter.
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