Activities marking the coronation celebration ceremony of Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji as Eze Aro of Arochukwu kingdom ended at the weekend with a vow to unite the people, bring development and progress to the kingdom. The four days event featured an interdenominational church crusade led by Rev Uma Ukpai, public lecture, cultural display by the 19 villages in Arochukwu, a dinner night and a thanksgiving church service. In his sermon at the crusade, Rev Umu Ukpai, thanked God for the choice of Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji, which he said was divine and prayed for good leadership, good health and the support of everyone, adding that it is a New Dawn for Aro Kingdom.
The climax of the event took place at Arochukwu Civic Center, Oror, on Saturday. In his speech at the ceremony, Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji, said the path of reclaiming lost opportunities demands a foundation built upon trust, understanding and harmony. The monarch stated that the strength of the kingdom lies in the bonds that tie us together as one indomitable force. Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji said with humility and selflessness, he will bridge the divide that has hindered progress and lead with the fear of God and respect. The Eze Aro the ninth, affirmed that he will attract the highest respect to the throne of Eze Aro, commanding national estimation and recognition as a first class monarch. He said Eze Aro has been a symbol of our collective strength, unity and a cherished tradition adding that he has extended his hands in brotherhood to all the princes of the kingdom for in unity lies our true power.
Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji promised to engage in regional and national efforts that aligned with the agenda of elevating the kingdom to new heights of glory and development. The monarch also pledged to lead a renaissance, harnessing the ingenuity of the people to reclaim our heritage and forge a path to a stronger, more prosperous future adding that our kingdom, once a beacon of Igbo civilization, must rise again to its rightful place of prominence. Eze Eberechukwu affirmed that he would need the counsel of the elders and support of everyone to write a new chapter in Aro history in other to revive Aro cultural heritage, enhance Aro educational institutions and promote economic initiatives that will restore the enviable glory of Aro Kingdom.
In his brief remarks at the grand finale of the event that brought home prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom, the governor of the state, Dr Alex Otti OFR, expressed happiness over the choice of Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji. The governor said that majority of Aro people are happy with the emergence of Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji as the traditional ruler adding that power comes from God and that any society that doesn’t have leadership is cursed. The governor said, gone are the days when people choose bad leaders instead of the best adding that he is happy that Aro people made the best choice. Dr Otti expressed confidence that as an accomplished and prosperous personality with proven integrity, honest and hard work, Eze Eberechukwu Oji would deploy his personal resources in the development of Aro Kingdom.
He therefore urged the people to give him necessary support to succeed in taking the kingdom to greater heights. The event was attended by the leadership of the traditional rulers council of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, captains of industries, some members and representatives of the federal executive, judicial and legislative arms of government, technocrats, distinguished diplomats, respected sons and daughters of Arochukwu kingdom, led by elite members of Ugwuaro, Ikemba and Adaugwu, Abia State executive, legislative, judicial and traditional leaderships, senior pastors from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, etc.
