- Urge alignment with Eze Eberechukwu Oji’s pragmatism
By Patrick Asonye
The leadership of Arochukwu Kingdom has weighed in on the ongoing conversation regarding the participation of Eze Aro IX, His Eminence Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, in the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), and given wise counsel.
Opinions have recently been diverse on the propriety or otherwise of the Arochukwu Royal Monarchy belonging to the bourgeoning group of traditional rulers.
Indeed, while some argue that belonging to the SNTRC is a subjugation of the revered Aro royal kingship, the more discerning endorse membership of the traditional institution, in the light of emerging global order.
For proper guidance, the Arochukwu Traditional Council and Okpankpo Aro – the apex policy-making organs in Arochukwu – have jointly given illumination to the issue, with the hope of correcting unguided dissension.
The two esteemed groups, in a detailed statement signed on their behalf by Mazi Udo Chijioke (Ugwu Aro), analyzed the situation, for a better understanding.
The statement is presented below:
The Arochukwu Traditional Council and the Okpankpo Aro (the apex policy-making organ) in Arochukwu Kingdom have followed with keen interest the comments, opinions, and narratives circulating in sections of the media regarding the participation of His Eminence, Eze Aro IX of Arochukwu Kingdom, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, in the emerging Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council.
We acknowledge the concerns expressed by some commentators. We recognize that issues touching on identity, heritage, and traditional authority naturally evoke deep emotions. However, it has become necessary to clarify certain misconceptions and firmly address distortions currently gaining traction, in the overriding interest of the public.
1. We reaffirm that the throne of the Eze Aro is not subordinate to any other throne in the land
Let it be clearly stated that the throne of the Eze Aro remains supreme within the Aro Kingdom and the wider Aro Nation across Nigeria. The throne is inferior to none and superior to many, given the historic role of Arochukwu as the cradle of Igbo civilization.
At no time has the Eze Aro subordinated his throne to any other traditional authority, nor will such a situation arise now or in the foreseeable future under our watch. Participation in a forum does not amount to submission. Dialogue is not subjugation. Engagement is not surrender.
2. A forum is not a hierarchy
The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council is at an embryonic stage. We view the Council in a wider prism as a platform for consultation, peer learning, information sharing, networking, knowledge exchange, and bridge-building in a rapidly evolving world. For us, the Council is not a constitutional structure that places any throne above another. The Arochukwu Traditional Council and the Okpankpo Aro are watching developments closely and with keen attention.
An interim coordinating role, wherever it exists, does not translate into permanent supremacy. To interpret it otherwise is to misread the context, intention, and structure.
3. Cooperation does not erase identity
We agree that Southern Nigeria is not a monolithic cultural bloc, and no one has suggested that it should become one. We also agree rightly so that the Igbo traditional system is historically decentralized and community-driven. We are fully committed to working with all notable traditional institutions to ensure that this foundational structure remains intact and unchallenged in Igbo land.
The Arochukwu Kingdom, which played a key role in Igbo foundational history, remains committed to this structure now and always. Our King, the Eze Aro, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, is and will always be the symbol of that commitment.
However, the Arochukwu Traditional Council and the Okpankpo Aro believe that decentralization does not preclude strategic cooperation and engagement with other traditional institutions. In today’s world, kingdoms, traditional institutions, and communities face complex challenges that often require strategic partnerships, bridge-building, cultural exchange, multi-stakeholder approaches, and collective problem-solving that sometimes recognize no boundaries. Engagement at that broader level does not dilute autonomy.
4. The position of South East Traditional Rulers is clear
His Eminence, Eze Aro, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, fully aligns with the position of other eminent traditional rulers and institutions from the South East and the wider Igbo nation that any leadership framework within the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council — or any similar platform — must reflect equality, leadership rotation, cultural and institutional peculiarities, mutual respect, and shared responsibility among equal partners.
It is, therefore, the position of the Arochukwu Traditional Council that there is no acceptance of permanent headship or symbolic dominance by any one cultural bloc in any association or forum in which the Eze Aro is involved. The principle we uphold in Aro Kingdom is open, equal, constructive partnership — not hierarchy.
5. Presence ensures protection of interest
We invite all to note that responsible leadership does not abandon emerging platforms to speculation. Engagement ensures that the interests, values, concerns, and sensitivities of Igbo traditional institutions are recognized and represented from day one.
Such strategic presence allows meaningful input into governance design, safeguards, and operational principles. Withdrawal, isolation, or silence would achieve the opposite.
The Aro, with a strong presence as equal founders and equal joiners in communities across the South East and South-South zones, are well positioned to appreciate the benefits of responsible partnership, cooperation, and socio-political engagement.
6. Allegations of political conspiracy are unfounded
The Arochukwu Traditional Council does not agree with assertions that the forum is a pre-2027 political instrument or a scheme for cultural domination. We find such assertions speculative and unsupported by any visible evidence or documented constitutional framework.
The Council, therefore, rejects attempts to frame this engagement within alarmist or conspiratorial narratives. We appeal that our traditional institutions be encouraged and supported to remain strong, independent, and resistant to partisan manipulation or ethnic incitement.
The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom — a scholar by training and an accomplished professional — is fully equipped to carry the throne with the dignity it deserves.
7. Regional councils remain intact
From available information to the Arochukwu Traditional Council, the existence of South East, South-South, and South West traditional councils is not threatened by broader consultative engagements. A coordinating forum among equals does not dissolve established regional structures in Nigeria. Collaboration and structural independence can coexist.
8. Unity must be built on equality
We strongly believe that the only acceptable foundation for any inter-regional traditional collaboration is equality, mutual respect, and rotational leadership. Anything contrary would not command legitimacy or acceptance.
Our King, the Eze Aro, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, will not be part of any arrangement that undermines these principles. That position remains non-negotiable.
9. Cultural authority cannot be outsourced
We reassure our people — who hold the throne of the Eze Aro in the highest esteem — that the cultural authority of the Igbo traditional institution, symbolized in sacred custodianship and ancestral legitimacy, cannot be transferred, diluted, or subordinated through attendance at meetings.
The Eze Aro remains accountable first to the Aro Kingdom and the Igbo heritage he represents.
10. Calm, not crisis, is required
While we welcome genuine concerns and constructive comments shared so far, we urge commentators, stakeholders, and media platforms to avoid inflammatory framing capable of generating unnecessary distrust among southern peoples and nationalities.
We are fully conscious that Nigeria’s recurring challenges often stem from structural mistrust and perception gaps. This must be avoided. Responsible leadership requires calm clarity, not emotional escalation.
Conclusion
The Arochukwu Traditional Council hereby affirms that the participation of His Eminence, Eze Aro IX, in the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council must be understood within the broader context of modern leadership, regional cooperation, partnership, cultural diplomacy, and strategic engagement.
Let it be clear:
There is no subordination and none will happen.
There is no surrender of identity and none intended.
There is no acceptance of hierarchy over Igbo traditional institutions.
There is only dialogue among equals in a changing world.
The Arochukwu Traditional Council and the Okpankpo Aro remain committed to preserving the dignity, autonomy, and historic standing of the Eze Aro throne while constructively engaging in initiatives that promote peace, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation in Nigeria.
We trust that this clarification puts the matter in proper perspective and lays all concerns to rest.
Mazi Udo Chijioke
(UgwuAro)
Arochukwu Kingdom
For: Okpankpo Aro & Arochukwu Traditional Council