On December 20th, 2023, the vibrant youth population representing the 19 villages constituting the Arochukwu Kingdom congregated for a solidarity march in Arochukwu. The purpose was to affirm their unwavering support for His Majesty, Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei, the duly crowned king of Arochukwu Kingdom.
During this demonstration, the youth conveyed a resounding message to the Abia State Government, urging prompt acknowledgment of His Majesty’s rightful entitlements as the reigning monarch. They emphasized the necessity for the government’s adherence to established traditions and the conferral of the appropriate privileges accompanying the crown.
Furthermore, the youth fervently implored the authorities to desist from endorsing Nwamazi Pastor Eberechukwu Oji’s candidacy for Eze Aro, citing his lack of jurisdiction to contest or ascend to the throne. They cautioned against any actions by the government that might jeopardize the enduring peace that characterizes Arochukwu, emphasizing that the community has unequivocally embraced their crowned king without reservation.
In essence, the youths highlighted that the prevailing harmony within Arochukwu faces potential disruption solely due to the interference of the Abia State Government in endorsing Pastor Eberechukwu Oji, while there exists unanimity and acceptance of His Majesty, Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei, as the legitimate monarch.
Additional Statements Reflecting Arochukwu Youth’s Stance During Solidarity March
Amidst the fervor of the solidarity march, impassioned voices echoed key sentiments regarding the unfolding situation in Arochukwu Kingdom. Orji Okoroji, representing Ujari, expressed deep concerns about the Abia State Government’s concerted efforts to enforce Nwamazi Pastor Eberechukwu Oji’s ascendancy. Okoroji warned that such imposition could unravel the unity and cohesion integral to Arochukwu Kingdom, potentially sowing seeds of discord and division.
Chinedu Ezenta, who hails from Amasu Village, shed light on the revered traditions guiding the crowning of a king among the Aros. He emphasized that the Aro people uphold a sacred protocol, indicating that a king is crowned only when their father has passed away and has been laid to rest in accordance with the meticulous customs of the Aro King. Ezenta firmly asserted the youth’s unyielding resolve to accept none other than the rightful and already crowned king.
Mrs. Blessing Okoronkwo, a prominent voice from Asaga Village in Arochukwu, issued a challenge to Nwamazi Pastor Eberechukwu Oji. She urged him to undergo the traditional ritual at the ancestral temple (Awada Aro) to substantiate his claim to the throne. Okoronkwo proposed that if Oji survives and endures until the forthcoming months, only then should he be considered for the esteemed position of king within the Arochukwu Kingdom.
These impassioned voices underscore the depth of tradition, unity, and the steadfast commitment of the Arochukwu youth to uphold their established customs in the rightful ascension and acceptance of their crowned king.
In the wake of the impassioned declarations voiced during the solidarity march by the Arochukwu youth, the press sought further insight from key traditional figures. On their own initiative, journalists engaged in interviews with revered individuals such as HRH Eze Dr. Kanu Nwa Kanu, the Eze Ibom Isii, HRH Eze Okoroafor Uroh, Eze Eze Agwu, and Eze Friday Ajunwa, the Eze Ogo of Utugugwu, to glean their perspectives on the unfolding issue.
Eze Ibom Isii took a moment to elucidate the historical precedence, emphasizing that throughout the annals of Arochukwu’s history, no individual has ever ascended to the throne while their father still lives. He vehemently dismissed claims suggesting otherwise, urging an end to the dissemination of false information. Additionally, Eze Ibom Isii implored the Abia State Government to desist from attempting to impose Pastor Eberechukwu Oji upon them, asserting the community’s unequivocal rejection and refusal to collaborate with him in any capacity.
Eze Okoroafor Uroh, the Eze Eze Agwu of Arochukwu Kingdom, staunchly affirmed his allegiance solely to the already crowned monarch, HM Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei. He warned against the perils associated with issues surrounding kingship, emphasizing the gravity of the matter within Arochukwu’s customs and traditions. Eze Okoroafor Uroh emphasized that their commitment to the rightful king is unwavering.
In a poignant plea to the press, Mazi Friday Ajunwa urged those backing Pastor Eberechukwu Oji to confront the truth before it’s too late. Drawing from historical instances, he referenced the controversial crowning of the Late Eze Vincent Ogbonnaya Okoro, where the individual responsible for the coronation met a tragic end, confessing and regurgitating live fish before his demise. Ajunwa earnestly implored the press to convey the truth to the world, acknowledging their vital role in disseminating accurate information.
These compelling insights from respected traditional leaders underscore the collective resolve to uphold tradition, honor, and the truth in the acceptance of HM Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei as the rightfully crowned king of Arochukwu Kingdom.
