The traditional institution responsible for selecting the monarch in Arochukwu Kingdom, particularly the Okennachi Kindred of Arochukwu in Abia State, known as Eze Aro, has officially endorsed Prince Eberechukwu Oji as the new king of Arochukwu Kingdom.
The kingmakers emphasized that the process of selecting the new monarch was transparent, and they dismissed any other claimant to the throne as an impostor.
Following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Alpha Plus Hotels in Amuvi-Arochukwu on Monday, January 1, 2024, the kindred, in its communiqué, stated that Prince Eberechukwu Oji was chosen through an evaluation and selection process endorsed by the kindred, with the support of all princes interested in the throne.
The document was jointly 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).
It further clarified that “Prince Eberechukwu Oji and Prince Goddy Idei, following their nomination by their respective family units of Nde Oke, Oror, agreed to undergo evaluation and voluntarily participate in the selection process.
Both pledged to support the eventual winner, consummating 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 explicitly explained that the selection of Prince Eberechukwu Oji as the Eze Aro on October 18, 2023, conducted by a panel of Seven Okennachi Kindred Eze Aro committee with a verdict of 5:2 in favor of Prince Eberechukwu Oji, followed the traditional process and was endorsed by the three Otusi that make up Okennachi. It emphasized that this decision is final and irrevocable, and cannot be revisited or reopened under any disguise.
Addressing the issue of the father being alive, it noted that the older Princes in the line of succession to Eze Aro’s throne voluntarily waived their right to the throne in compliance with global cultural realities.
They 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.
Regarding Godwin Idei’s crowning by the suspended Eze Ibom Isii, Okennachi Kindred declared the process an abomination requiring traditional cleansing by Arochukwu Kingdom standards.
They stated that 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 reiterated that the Head of the Royal family and Okwara Ezi remains Mazi Prince Oji Kanu Oji, pending the release of the Abia State Government investigation Panel report.
Appealing to Umu Aro, including Nzuko Aro and all kindreds to come together and build a new path of harmony, prosperity, and renaissance, the statement expressed that Okennachi Kindred is poised and committed to uphold the ancient covenants by their forebears as well as the rights and privileges of other kindreds and institutions of governance in their domain.
They believe that this commitment can pave the way for a new chapter in the glorious story of Arochukwu Kingdom.
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