“ Folk tales and myths, they’ve lasted for a reason. We tell them over and over because we keep finding truth in them, and we keep finding life in them” – Patrick Ness
As a young lady who came into marriage with excitement, enabled by love, I was in a hurry to know almost everything about my new home, cum community. Interestingly, my excitement and passion was heightened by the privilege of having parents in- law, who were grounded, and knowledgeable in Aro culture, and tradition. The euphoria of first impression cannot be taken for granted. My first impression of Aro Kingdom has remained a source of strength to me. It became that biblical love, that covers a multitude of sin. My parents in-law of the blessed memory practically fed me with memorable cuisines , that projects Aro image. My father in- law, Mazi Sampson Kanu Oti-popularly known as- SK, and Dee Kanu, was a man of great wisdom, who became a teacher, and consultant to many. He would always say, “ Aro ji ugwu biri “. He rejected several chieftaincy offers by some Ngwa communities where they resided then, for a singular reason which is, “ Aro anaghi echi chief “. I remember trying to “ correct “ the impression that, it was Ngwa people that offered him the chieftaincy, not Aro. To him, such logic is empty, and does not hold water. He would ask, “Of what use will an honor that will not make meaning in Aro to me ?” To cap it up, he will always point out the peculiarities of the Aro, citing that the Aro are special breed. The catechism which must remain in the memory of a true Aro is, the Aro do not soil their hands in evil because of money. “ Ego, anaghi achi nwa Aro”. “Aro anaghi ezu nzi “. Those were the myths behind “nwa Aro icho”. The meaning is so metaphorical that, it is only the well informed that can understand and appreciate it.
On another part , my ever happy, and friendly mother in- law, Daa Mgbokwo, a name which was corrupted to “Popo’; may the Lord rest her soul; believes that Aro men are the most handsome, and wisest men in the world. She always emphasized the unique attributes of the Aro; which is anchored on their ethos, and values. Aro do not kill, nor poison a fellow Aro because, “ Aro bu nwanne”. “ Aro anaghi ezu nzi”, etc. I remember an incident that happened when I gave birth to my first child; then my mother in- law was staying with me. My cousin brother came to visit us . Incidentally, that was the first time they were meeting. My cousin is light skinned, and obviously handsome.
At the first sight, she fell in “love” with him. The admiration was so profound that, my cousin even noticed it. It was so funny. At a point, she called me aside and said, “ Onyidiya, deede gi nkaa enyichana onye Aro”, (this your brother resembles an Aro). I asked how? and she replied, “ his height, his physique, his complexion, his handsome face, points to that. Only Aro men, are as handsome as he is “. We laughed, and I told her that, it was because she has had contact with only Aro men. But she was quick to refute that because for her, Aro men are simply the best.
I am sure my late parents-in-law were not the only Aros of their dispensation who had such unwavering faith in Aro. It was same faith they sincerely exhibited that projected Aro to limelight. The faith of, what can I do to better the lot of Aro, via sacrificial services, not what can I get from Aro, to enrich myself. Then, wisdom, persona , Integrity and dignity was what mattered. Truth was the commodity everyone must buy. It was these attributes of Nwa Aro that distinguished people, not, Mkpoola. It was these iconic attributes that made Inyom Aro “ elere emee, mgbe ekuru azaa, okwere nke di wo, Inyom nganga, etc. Though I was groomed by a mother, and an elder sister, who were default disciplinarians, who taught me the rudiments of marriage, my mother in- law also took her time to tutor me on the aspect of being an Inyom Aro. A training I did not take for granted. She did not overlook the dressing aspect, “ Inyom Aro n’eruje aku’, she will always remind me whenever we want to go out. Today, it is shamefully regrettable that this axiom packed with eternal code of a people’s ethos, and values, has now become a mere cliché. The question is, how many Aros, who quote “ Nwa Aro icho, mkpoola icho, truly know the meaning? Just like the Bible, people now do not only quote the scriptures out of context, they also interpret them to suit their selfish purposes.
-What is the place of “ Nwa Aro Icho “, in the life of that elder, who skews the truth for selfish reasons?
-What is the place of “ Nwa Aro Icho “, in the life of that leader, who abhors transparency, and accountability?
– What is the place of “ Nwa Aro Icho”, who sees community service as a place of financial sustenance ?
-What is the place of “ Nwa Aro Icho”, in the life of that woman, who is character deficient?
-What is the place of “ Nwa Aro Icho”, in the life of that youth, who has no respect for elders, and
constituted authority?
-What is the place of “ Nwa Aro Icho”, in the life of that wife, or woman, who lacks decorum, and caution?
Too many questions, deserving critical answers. I think it’s time for Aro to begin to sincerely answer those questions because, if we fail to answer them, whether individually, or collectively; posterity will surely do that. But the outcome is what I may not be able to predict. Let us keep telling our tales and myths over and over because, we shall keep finding truth, and life in them.
I wish you all a beautiful Ikeji celebration.
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