The Okennachi Kindred of Arochukwu – traditionally empowered to select a king for the Kingdom – has reaffirmed its earlier decision on Ebechukwu Oji as the Eze Aro-designate.
The kindred, at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Arochukwu on January 1, 2024, revisited the issue of Eze Aro, and resolved it – once again – in favour of Prince Eberechukwu Oji.
The reaffirmation put to rest the confusion, which arose on the heels of objection raised by Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei, who argued that it is his turn to be Eze Aro.
But the Okennachi Kindred, in a communiqué issued after the January 1 AGM, described Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei as an impostor to the Arochukwu throne, warning that he should desist from parading himself as Eze Aro.
The meeting was held at the Alpha Plus Hotels, Amuvi Arochukwu.
It stated specifically that Prince Eberechukwu Oji is the emergent king of Arochukwu, chosen in an evaluation and selection process endorsed by the kindred, with the support of all princes interested in the throne.
The document was signed by Mazi Chima Dike (Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee), Mazi Ernest Onwumere (Secretary), Dr. Henry Oryeador (Coordinator, Diaspora), Hon Nkem Okoro (Chairman, Home Branch), and Mazi Udo Chijioke
(President-General, Okennachi Kindred).
The kindred further clarified “that Prince Eberechukwu Oji and Prince Goddy Idei, sequel to their nomination by their respective family units of Nde Oke, Oror, agreed to submit themselves to be evaluated and voluntarily participate in the selection process. Both pledged to support whoever emerged winner and consummated the covenant with a traditional libation conducted at “Ukwu Ovo” Arochukwu’s ancestral holy place by the eldest of the royal family, Prince Oji Kanu Oji.
The communique also explained “that the selection of Prince Eberechukwu Oji as the Eze Aro, on 18th October 2023 as conducted by a panel of Seven Okennachi Kindred Eze Aro committee with a verdict of 5:2 in favour of Prince Eberechukwu Oji, followed the traditional process and endorsed by the three Otusi that make-up Okennachi is final and irrevocable thus, cannot be revisited or reopened under any disguise.
It also said: “On the issue of the father being alive, it is noted that the older Princes in line of succession to Eze Aro’s throne in compliance with global cultural realities waived their right to the throne and blessed the younger princes to take their slot. And when an heir voluntarily relinquishes his right it can be conferred on any beneficiary without blemish.
Speaking on Godwin Idei’s crowning by the suspended Eze Ibom Isii, Okennachi Kindred declared the process ‘an abomination requiring traditional cleansing by Arochukwu Kingdom standards “Eze Ibom Isii’s action in crowning an imposter is a traditional interference in Okennachi Kindred affairs, a breach of the Aro kingdom forebears’ covenant, an abomination that must be remediated through necessary atonement and cleansing.
It restated that the Head of the Royal family and Okwara Ezi, remains Mazi Prince Oji Kanu Oji, pending the release of Abia State Government’s investigation Panel report.
Appealing to Umu Aro, including Nzuko Aro to come together and build a new path of harmony, prosperity, and renaissance, it said: “Okennachi kindred is poised and committed to uphold the ancient covenants by our forebears as well as the rights and privileges of other kindred and institutions of governance in our domain, that we can begin a new chapter in the glorious story of Arochukwu Kingdom.”
