Eze Aro IX of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence, Engr. Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, has formally received a new book titled “Arochukwu of 21st Century: Imperatives of Continuity and Change (A Sociological Analysis)” authored by Dr. Azubike Okoro (Ugwu Aro).
The book was presented to Eze Aro on September 27, 2026, at the Palace in Oror Village, Arochukwu, Abia State.
Presenting the book, Dr. Azubike Okoro said his decades of association with Aro communities, both at home and the Diaspora, culture, and traditions, inspired him to undertake extensive ethnographic research into the history and heritage of Aro people.
He explained that the publication is the product of years of research and documentation aimed at bringing to the fore some of the lesser-known treasures embedded in Arochukwu cultural heritage and traditional institutions. As someone with a background in sociology and cultural anthropology, the book, according to him, provides insight into critical societal challenges such as “can tradition and change coexist”, “should our heritage disappear with change “, and “what if the past holds the key to the future “. It’s a masterpiece and sociological road map for anyone watching institutions struggling to adapt.
According to Mazi Okoro, the book was blind-reviewed and evaluated by renowned scholars of Aro extraction, including a historian, Prof. Chidi Osuagwu of Abia State University (ABSU) and a Professor of Anthropology, P.J Eze of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Dr Okoro disclosed that the book was published simultaneously by Kraft Books Ltd, Ibadan and Lulu Press Inc., USA, and is already in circulation and on sale by major online retailers globally, including Amazon.com
Immediately on release, it received commendable ranking amongst West African and African history books, where it showcases aspects of Arochukwu traditional institutions and cultural heritage.
According to Mazi Okey Imuoh, who is leading the media committee for its launch, the official public presentation and launch of the book in Arochukwu is considered most appropriate and is scheduled for December 31, 2026.
The event will be chaired by Mazi Ike Okoronkwo (Ugwu Aro), while Mazi Dr. Emma Nwadeyi (Ugwu Aro), and Dr. Kanu Ohuche (Ugwu Aro), shall serve as Presenter and Reviewer, respectively.
Ahead of that date, however, the Chairman and Coordinator of the public presentation, Mazi Ernie Onwumere (Ugwu Aro) designated the first formal presentation to His Eminence, Eze Aro, to start the series of awareness processes that will culminate with the December 31, 2026 event.
Receiving the book, Eze Aro, His Eminence Engr. Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, expressed appreciation to Dr. Azubike Okoro for the honour.
He prayed for the author, asking God to continue to grant him wisdom and inspiration to produce more works that would contribute to the development and preservation of Arochukwu Kingdom.
He also prayed for the success of the planned launch and for the people who accompanied Dr. Okoro to the palace, including Ugwu Aro Chinedu Okoronkwo (Avina), Ugwu Aro Mazi J.C Imuoh, Mazi Emmanuel Uche (Okwuoto), Ikemba Ugochukwu Okoro, and other prominent Umu Aro and friends of the author, asking God to continue to guide, protect and bless them.
