In the heart of Arochukwu, the desire for lasting peace and unity has found its champion in the crowning of a new Eze Aro, HRM Eze Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke. The recent royal ascension on October 20, 2023, has brought tranquility back to the community, casting aside the deep-rooted discord sowed by those who sought to disrupt the harmonious reign of the Arochukwu kingdom.
The path to this historic moment was not without its challenges, as joykillers and meddling interlopers attempted to introduce political strife into what was traditionally a peaceful ruling family. Their intentions seemed to be fueled by a desire to gain unearned recognition while igniting conflicts that had no basis. These individuals, in their misguided attempts, unwittingly acted as the true enemies of Arochukwu Kingdom.
It is important to understand the unique process of Eze selection in Arochukwu. The exclusive right to produce the Eze resides with the Kanu Okoro Oke Nnachi Family, which comprises three Ruling Houses:
1. Asi Eko Oke Ruling House
2. Kanu Okoro Oke Ruling House
3. Oji Okoro Oke Ruling House
Before the selection and an unusual election process led by the Okennachi Kindred, led by Mazi Udo Chijioke as PG and Mazi Nkem Okoro as Home Branch Chairman, various promises were made to the Princes to ensure a smooth transition. However, the delay in reaching a consensus among the Princes was due to their inability to come to a decision.
Prince Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke represented the Kanu Okoro Oke Nnachi Family. Meanwhile, the Asi Eko Oke Ruling House had no candidate, as Obiora Ogbonnaya Okoro declined to participate. Oji Okoro Oke was represented by Prince Pastor Nwamazi Eberechukwu Eni Kanu Oji. Interestingly, this Ruling House also put forward Oke Kanu Oji Okoro Oke.
The choice ultimately came down to Prince Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke and Pastor Nwamazi Ebere Eni Kanu Oji. However, there should have been no contest, as Pastor Ebere is still considered a Nwamazi, meaning his father is alive, disqualifying him from becoming Eze Arochukwu. Additionally, Pastor Ebere’s refusal to visit the Awada Aro Shrine due to his pastoral status did not sit well with the traditional gods. This led to the acceptance of Prince Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke as the 9th Eze Arochukwu, who was subsequently crowned as HRM Eze Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke.
In the wake of this, Nwamazi Pastor Ebere launched protests and even sought to alter the age-old culture and traditions of the Arochukwu Kingdom, recruiting supporters from the government of Abia State. Today, however, all the controversy has been laid to rest, and the unity of Arochukwu has been restored.
The presence of Prince Obiora Vincent Ogbonnaya Okoro played a crucial role in bringing this unity to fruition. His endorsement and congratulatory message to HRM Eze Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke signaled the end of unnecessary debates and disputes, making the final score 2:1 in favor of His Majesty. This act of reconciliation has breathed new life, intelligence, and wisdom into Arochukwu, heralding a new era of peace.
With the tension dissolved, the people of Arochukwu are now celebrating their unified Eze Aro, reinvigorating the sociocultural and socioeconomic landscape of the community. It’s a momentous occasion that heralds a brighter future for the Arochukwu Kingdom.
Congratulations to Umu Arochukwu, and may HRM Eze Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke reign long and bring prosperity and harmony to the Arochukwu Kingdom.
“To God be the Glory.”
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