The history of the black world cannot be complete without the mentioning of the great forebears of Aro Kingdom. A generation that never saw the four walls of a classroom yet, they were more educated than some of the PhD holders of today. A generation that never rode on any 4 wheel car, but they traversed across the length, and breath of old Eastern Nigeria, and beyond, making relevance. A generation that neither enrolled with any military outfit, nor underwent any form of military training, yet, they were able to confront trained,British soldiers with lethal weapons, one, on one; with almost bare hands .
A generation that never boarded airplane, but were merchants in foreign commodities, therefore known as “ Bekeembu”. As I said earlier, Aro forebears never saw the four walls of a classroom, but their native intelligence, and wisdom placed them at a very high pedestal. They were educated , though they did not enter any classroom.
They planted trade posts across the length , and breath of South Eastern States of Nigeria. Establishing about 161 Settlements ( Ulo Ubi) across these communities. History had it that, some of these communities practically invited them to come and dwell in their midst; because they believed their presence, borne out of their gallantry, will ward of enemies.
The Aro of old had a deep feeling of satisfaction derived from their achievements.”Wo bu nde nganga.” They were also epitome of contentment. Very conscious of their dignity therefore, the adage, “ Kama I ma awom Ugwum, rie mmeregi”. Which simply mean, “ instead of you to deny me , or abuse my integrity, keep your favour, or gift“.
The Aro of old, knew, and understood brotherhood. I have heard, and also read, that any form of shading of Aro blood by a fellow nwa Aro was an abomination. Peace, love, and unity was their watch word. Brotherhood brought them together for meetings( Nzuko). Though many of their brethren livedfar away at different trade posts, they still had a way, and time, they fraternized.
The Aro of old respected, and honoured their leaders. As well, their leaders led with love, fairness, wisdom, equity, accountability, and all positive attributes. The stool was highly revered, honoured, and respected. The Eze Aro was seen as a “ God “ figure because, he was a focus of Aro pride, and identity-. People were afraid to take what does not belong to them, whether it belongs to a group, or individual because, it hadstringent consequences.
Training of children was a communal effort. A neighbour, or relation was free to scold, or flog an erring child in the absence, or even in the presenceof the biological parents.This was so because, it was believed that, one person does not train a child because, every child belong to the community.An Igbo proverb, “ Onye huru nwa okuko ebe o n’abonsi, chupuyan’ihina, I maghionyegaataukwuya”, points to that. In a typical Igbo community, chickens search for their food with their foot/toes.
In the process, theirshanks, and the hock joints are also affectedwhen they scatter excrement. The advice to chase away such chickens becomes necessary because, you may be the one that will buy it, in the next Nkwo market; and maybe, the one to eat the shanks when it is killed. Relating it to child upbringing, considering that most marriages were contracted within the same community then, everyone joins hand to train the children because, no one knowswhich of them will ask for ones daughter’s hand in marriage, or, ones son will marry in the future.
Have you wandered why people are referred to as, “ nwa Aro, or Umu Aro?”. This simply implies that, children belong to the community. Little wonder why the immediate kindred , and relations have important roles to play, when our daughters are given out in marriage, and when our sons go to get wives.
On another note, respect for the elderly, whether biological, or not, was sacrosanct. It was not negotiable. Everybody knew his/ her limit. When a young person wanted to greet an elder, he/she will bend down, while the elder touched his/ her back. This went a long way to instil discipline in the society. While it became part of the culture.
Today, I do not know how many young Umu Aro, who will beat their chests and say, yes, we received the transferred legacies of the ancient Aro, with both hands, and firm. Sometimes, when I see what is happening in Aro in this dispensation, and try to think back on what I have read, learned, or heard about the ancient Aro, my heart skips. Honestly, I fear for the Aro of tomorrow. If we are where we are today, when we still have the remnants of theold generation with us, what will happen, when these remnants are gone? I sincerely feel sorry for that generation that walked the soles of their feet sore, to bring Arochukwu Kingdom into limelight.
Today, we are in Aro, where the Stool is no longer respected.We now operate in Aro, where people dress in foreign attires to attend Aro traditional ceremonies. Where respect for the elderly has almost become a thing of the past. Elders now think twice before correcting erring child(ren).Love is almost taking its flee. Stealing of peoples properties is becoming a fast growing business. In one year, my brother in law’s house has been burgled three times; to the point of removing ceiling fans, carrying big generator etc. These are done without blinking an eye because, nothing will happen.
Some people take leadership positions now, which hitherto should be service, for personal gains. Integrity, and trusts have become questionable. Nepotism is now in full display.As for truth, it is only the grace of God that will sustain it. For one to be bold to say the truth, be ready to stand in the minority. Who wants to trade a thrivingsycophancy business, to mingle with the minority.It takes only a strong-willed, independent minded person(s) One has to belong to a clique to get all the support, even when he/she is practically doing the wrong thing. My question is , How far will this rake us ? No one want to be the one to say it (O maazamn’onu).When you ask pertinent questions, or say your mind during meetings, you are seen as challenging the status quo.Even some elders nowfind it difficult to call a spade a spade. They are comfortable calling it a farming implement, so that they will remain in the caucus.
While we are still trying to grasp the regrettable turn of events in the Kingdom at the moment, when we still have some remnants of the old order with us, and with the support of the mid order, as I said earlier, what will happen to our dear Kingdom when these ones are no longer there?
Sometimes I ask my self, after us, will there be still Nzuko Aro ? Will there be continuity? Will njiri mara Aro still exist ? I ask because I know that, there are Aro peculiarities. For example, the bond, and love, the coming together and finding immediate solutions to issues. These has remained the drive for the remnants of the old order, with joint efforts of the mid order,who are doing so much in terms of developmental projects, to make Aro a home for real, for those at home, and in diaspora. But I’m yet to see any form of interest for such projects, in the Aros of tomorrow.
I think we parents have serious roles to play here. The earlier we start talks with our children, on the need to show interest on Aro cause, for posterity sake, the better for us, and for the Kingdom.As Aro celebrate Ikeji this year, let us take an inward look into the Kingdom; stand up with truth, boldness, and courage, above all, sincerity of mind to address all pressing issues that is gradually eroding the ethos, and values that our forebears built. Also, do not forget that, one of the cardinal points of Ikeji, is peace. Therefore, as many that have any pending unresolved issues, should try as much as possible to resolve it, in the spirit of the season. Aro must move forward.
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