On the 26th of January, 2024, the Abia state government recognised Prince Eberechukwu Oji as the Eze Aro of Arochukwu thereby officially bringing to an end a waiting period that lasted more than three years following the transition of the immediate past Eze Aro, HRM Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro, CFR. The period was overshadowed by intense struggles that engulfed the Palace and parts of the ancient town, a matter we cannot dwell on it is subjudice. It was indeed a wonderful new year gift to Aro by the Abia state government as the resolution of the lingering tussle, at least officially, is one of the best things that could happen to the kingdom. The presentation of the certificate of recognition and staff of office has cleared the air of confusion that pervaded the Kingdom. That the recognition came after an inquiry by the government highlights the importance that the community and government attach to the revered stool.
Eberechukwu Oji is an accomplished electrical engineer with three masters degrees and a professional doctorate, with diverse experience spanning more than 25 years in the oil and gas industry. He is a hardworking, humble, cerebral and selfless middle aged man who is expected to deploy modern management and leadership skills to unleash the latent creative potentials of the Kingdom. No one expected the process of producing a new Eze Aro to be rancour free given the complexity of the Kingdom, but anybody who wishes the kingdom well must appreciate the necessity to bring the matter to some form of closure. It is, therefore, expected that Eze Eberechukwu Oji and well meaning Umu Aro would immediately swing into action to win total peace for the Kingdom. While appreciating and recognising the right of those who are in court to ventilate their grievances, it is our appeal that all should show understanding and allow the matter to be permanently resolved so that the kingdom would proceed to rediscover itself and forge ahead in unity.
Eze Aro would not mean much if it does not deliver cohesion, harmonious co-existence, human and physical development to the ancient town. Aro is the envy of other towns because of its serenity, peacefulness, sense of communality, vivacity, conviviality, security, creativity and welcoming culture. Arochukwu is the place to be if one desires happiness, comradeship, classy enjoyment, and egalitarian association. The big and the small mix freely, complementing each other and hoping for the best. Irritations surface once in a while but that is human nature. Indeed, there is something unique about the Aro and how we relate to each other. We must not lose this uniqueness.
Notwithstanding, Arochukwu has more than its fair share of problems. Inspite of the best intentions of Umu Aro who spare no effort in bringing good things to the community such as mansions, hospitality investments like three star hotels and recreational facilities, agricultural ventures and small scale industries, the town remains underdeveloped when compared to its peers. It is on record that as far back as 1922 Arochukwu was classified by the colonial administration among the third class townships along side Abakaliki, Asaba, Bauchi, Maiduguri and Sokoto, to mention the few. Arochukwu was again designated an urban area in 1976 but its fortunes has not improved. The Arochukwu/Ohafia road has remained a nightmare. The Umuahia/Ndi Okereke Abam/Arochukwu, alias Okobo road was always impassable during the rainy season until the government of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti came to the rescue by awarding the contract for the reconstuction of the road. Thanks to the Akwa Ibom state government for its investment in Ibom airport and the Ikot Ekpene/Arochukwu road, otherwise the town would have been completely cut off.
For the new Eze Aro, his job is clearly cut out. As one of the most famous American military figures of the 20th century, Gen. Omar Bradley, wrote ‘the greatness of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led’. Ray Blunt, professor of philosophy adds that, “it takes leaders to grow other leaders”. Traditional rulership is a fundamental and challenging leadership position that often determines whether a community makes progress or descends into perpetual acrimony or lethargy. The traditional ruler is the alter ego of the community. Like all social formations, a community can hardly rise above the vision and management acumen of its leaders. A good traditional ruler is one who seeks and promotes the good of his community. He is one who understands the community and ceaselessly engages in efforts to unlock the latent creativity of the people and inspire them to aspire to greatness. The Eze Aro must provide institutional safety valves, be a purveyor of justice, fairness, equity and compassion. The traditional conflict resolution mechanism needs to be overhauled and strengthened to cope with the demands of modernity and rule of law. The Stool should be a catalyst for development, inspiring the Aro at home and the diaspora to contribute to its development. The bond between Aro homeland and the diaspora communities needs to be rekindled, nurtured and solidified. It may not be a bad idea to have a council where the traditional rulers of those communities meet regularly with the Eze Aro to build fraternal ties and promote issues of common interest.
Working with Nzuko Aro, the new Eze Aro should prioritize the repositioning of the Kingdom to take its rightful place among the leading kingdoms in the country. We need to complement the efforts of the Dr. Alex Otti led administration to address the infrastructural challenges facing the ancient community. In this connection, it is germane to place on record the cerebral and strategic approach to governance by the administration which has turned all parts of Abia state into construction sites in a little over one year of assuming the mantle of leadership. We are immensely grateful for the ongoing work on Okobo road and appeal that urgent steps be taken to upgrade the infrastructure in Arochukwu town to befit its urban status. The Arochukwu general hospital, internal roads and the Arochukwu Water scheme are all crying for attention.
However, the biggest challenge that will task the ingenuity of the new Aro leadership is the human capital development of the community. A lot of the children, boys, girls and the youth are developing in the wrong direction. Drug abuse and teenage pregnancies are rampant. There is the need for conscious programmes to educate, enlighten and tackle the menace of illicit drugs to save more young ones from ruination. In addition, the educational facilities in the town should be upgraded and adequately staffed. The thirteen public primary schools and four secondary schools in Aro require serious attention. The Education Committee set up by Nzuko Arochukwu has been scratching the problem with the presentation of instructional materials to the primary schools, but the rot is deep and would require radical intervention. The immediate past state administration had upgraded the Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu to a full fledged university on paper. It needs to become one in reality.
Arochukwu and environs are blessed with numerous minerals. We must harness our influence to see to the exploitation and development of these resources especially with the limestone deposits at Isu. For instance, a cement manufacturing plant would open up the entire area and create boundless opportunities. With proper understanding driven by the governors of Abia and Cross River States this should help put an end to the incessant boundary clashes along that axis. As the Eze of a boundary community, the Eze Aro must cultivate our neighbours for mutual co-existence and beneficial relationship for all.
No community can thrive without constant energy. Public power supply to the Kingdom is one of the worst. The completion and putting into use of the 33kv sub-station at Amuvi should be a priority. It would drive the industrialization of the area.
Above all, our Eze Aro must exude love, compassion, empathy, fairness, justice and spiritual balance. Arochukwu has lost a lot in terms of image, reputation and reckoning. Only concerted, determined efforts can foster the rebuilding process. Let the actual work start in love!
Mazi Anicho S. Okoro, Ugwu Aro, is the 1st Vice President General of Nzuko Arochukwu.
