Eze Aro, the traditional ruler of Arochukwu kingdom in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, Eze Eberechukwu Oji, has called on President Bola Tinubu to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking during his coronation in Arochukwu, Eze Oji, the grandson of the revered Eze Kanu Oji said the call had become necessary in view of the fact that the courts had already freed him, assuring that Kanu’s release would not only lessen tension, but also rejuvenate economic activities in the South East.
Kanu is an Aro.
According to Eze Oji, the Eze Aro stool from time immemorial had been a symbol of their collective strength, peace and unity of the Aro people.
In his address titled, “History beacons, a brighter future begins in Aro Kingdom”, Eze Oji said it was the unity of purpose Aro people were known for that made them overcome the British invasion in the 19th century.
“We have to reclaim our heritage and ensure our kingdom takes back its vintage position in Igbo land,” Eze Oji declared.
Governor Alex Otti, an Aro, in his speech, tasked communities in the State on good leadership, saying that any community that does not produce a good person as its traditional ruler, is a cursed one.
Perhaps referring to the Ezeship tussle and government’s action that preceded the selection of Eze Oji, Otti said: “Majority of Arochukwu people are happy with what’s happening here today (Saturday); those who are not happy, it’s not our business to make everybody happy.”
“I recommend what happens in Abia to other communities. Any society that does not have good leadership is a cursed one. Power comes from God and at His own time, he makes things beautiful,” Otti stressed.
The Governor commended the people of Arochukwu for their choice of Eze Oji as their traditional ruler, noting that the present monarch is one who would invest his resources to develop the community instead of taking away what they have.
“The present Eze Aro is one who invests instead of cornering the people’s commonwealth,” he asserted, pointing out that “anybody who wants to lead his people should have a second address like the Eze Aro who I believe will contribute his quarter to the development of the community.”
Otti, while thanking the people for making a good choice, urged the traditional ruler to rule with the fear of God and ensure the development of his community.
Some traditional rulers outside Abia who attended the coronation included King Jaja of Opobo of Rivers State; Alhaji Sanusi Bashir, Emir of Kanuri; Dr. Benjamin Ikechukwu, King of Agbor, Delta State; Ededem Cosmos, the traditional ruler of Uran, who represented the Obong of Calabar and many other dignitaries.
