* Fixes Dec 26 for coronation
The Eze Aro palace has confirmed Prince Eberechukwu Oji as the new Eze Aro-designate, scheduling December 26, 2023 as his coronation date.
The palace gave the official confirmation on Wednesday, through a statement jointly signed by the Royal Head, Aro Kingdom, Mazi Oji Kanu Oji and Mazi Kanu Okjoro Kanu Oji.
The palace specifically announced that Prince Eberechukwu Oji will be crowned on December 26, 2023, putting to rest the seeming disputation that characterized the selection process.
The palace wrote:
Dear Umu Aro, ndewo nu!
The attention of the palace has been drawn to news making the round that one Godwin Kanu Idei was purportedly ‘crowned’ Eze Aro by the now suspended Eze Ibom Isii, Mazi Kanu Okereke Kanu. And that the Godwin Kanu Idei has been parading himself as the Eze Aro.
This is to inform Umu Aro that the suspended Eze Ibom Isii has no traditional or cultural right nor has any roles to play in the selection of Eze Aro.
The selection of Eze Aro is the exclusive preserve of Okennachi Kindred which has followed the laid down process by selecting and presenting to Ndi Oke, Utuhugwu, Bianko and Amaja the new Eze Aro
It is therefore no longer news that the process for the selection of a new Eze Aro has been concluded. The transparent process witnessed the emergence of Engr. Eberechukwu Oji, a prince of the kingdom, the grandson of Eze Kanu Oji and a petroleum engineer with over 25 years post qualification experience.
For the avoidance of doubt, the palace, Okennachi and Nzuko Aro have brought the situation and the illegal act of Mazi Kanu Okereke Kanu to the attention of the government and security agencies who have already swung into action to forestall the illegality.
We use this opportunity to inform Umu Aro that the coronation of the Eze Aro, Engr. Eberechukwu Oji will take place on the 26th of December, 2023. We enjoin all Umu Aro to be peaceful and law abiding.
Ndewo nu.
Long live Abia State!
Long live Aro Kingdom!!
Long live Eze Aro!!!