In a comprehensive response to the ongoing Eze Aro selection controversy, HRH Eze Okoroafor Uroh Okoroafor, Eze Ezeagwu na Okwara Agwu, has conveyed his decision not to accept the request for the crowning of Nwamazi Eberechukwu Joshua Eni Kanu Oji as Eze Aro. The response, dated 21st October 2023, is addressed to Mazi Udoh Chijioke, President General of Okennachi Kindred Union.
In the letter, Eze Okoroafor Uroh Okoroafor confirms that he has been informed about the efforts to persuade him to accept and clear Nwamazi Eberechukwu Joshua Eni Kanu Oji for the role of Eze Aro. The request was presented by Mazi Nkem Okoro, Mazi Emmanuel Ivi, and Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor, among others.
Eze Okoroafor Uroh Okoroafor expresses his unwavering stance on the matter, citing fundamental reasons for his refusal. He emphasizes that Nwamazi Eberechukwu Joshua Eni Kanu Oji is the third child, second son, and a practicing pastor with a living father who has no intention of participating in the Awada Aro Shrine ceremonies. This refusal stems from an understanding of the implications of these circumstances on the role of Eze Aro as the custodian of the customs and traditions of Arochukwu Kingdom.
The letter highlights the significance of the “Ebule Aka Ikenga” (burial rites of one’s father) as a pivotal cultural tradition that must be observed before assuming the role of Eze Aro. Eze Okoroafor Uroh Okoroafor underscores the importance of adhering to these customs and traditions, pointing out that such knowledge should be integral for the President General.
Furthermore, the response notes that HRM Eze Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei has been presented, confirmed, crowned, and blessed as the new Eze of Arochukwu Kingdom, an event that took place on Friday, 20th October 2023. Eze Okoroafor Uroh Okoroafor advises Mazi Udoh Chijioke to acknowledge and receive HRM Eze Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei as the new ruler of the kingdom.
The response from HRH Eze Okoroafor Uroh Okoroafor further emphasizes the cultural significance and adherence to customs and traditions in the selection of the Eze Aro, shedding light on the complexity of the ongoing controversy.
Read Full Letter Below,
HRH EZE OKOROAFOR UROH OKOROAFOR
Ezeagwu na Okwara Agwu Eze
Eze Ezeagwu’s palace.
Amannagwu, Arochukwu
The President General Okennachi Kindred Union
21-10-2023
c/o Eze Aro Palace Oror, Arochukwu.
Attention Mazi Udoh Chijioke
Mazi,
I write to confirm that I have seen the letter in respect of my refusal to accept your request and attempts to convince me to accept and clear one Nwamazi Eberechukwu Joshua Eni Kanu Oji for crowning as Eze Aro.
I am reliably informed when I interviewed the following men who came to me from you on this mission. They were Mazi Nkem Okoro, Mazi Emmanuel Ivi, Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor who particularly was shocked when I tried to explain the implications of what you expected me to do as custodian of the Customs and Traditions of this Kingdom.
No matter how and what pressure anyone puts on me on this matter I could have done otherwise when in fact I know that Nwamazi Eberechukwu Joshua Eni Kanu Oji is the third child, the second son and a practicing Pastor whose father is still alive who said that he will NEVER go to Awada Aro Shrine but will send somebody to do that for him. Apostle Joshua (his father) should have known the implications of this. Nde Ichie Aro Agaghi Ekwem Mejowo!!! I did not see the young man in person, if I did I am sure I would have advised him over this serious issue, because he has to be told the truth about this matter.
First of all, how can you be an Eze Aro when you have not performed the burial rites of your father who is still alive. Ebule Aka Ikenga is very paramount in this.
As a P.G you ought to know all these things.
It’s instructive at this time to bring to your attention that HRM Eze Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei has been presented, confirmed, crowned and blessed as the new Eze Arochukwu Kingdom on Friday, 20th October, 2023. You are advised to receive him as your new King in the kingdom.
Yours faithfully,
HRH Eze Okoroafor Uroh Okoroafor
Eze Ezeagwu na Okwara Agwu
Cc:
The Executive Governor, Abia State
The Commissioner, Chieftaincy & Local Gov’t Affairs Ag. Chairman, Arochukwu L.G.A Mazi Prof Okoro Ijoma, Chairman Board of Patrons, Nzuko Aro Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, President General Nzuko Aro President General, Ibom Isii Kindren President General, Ezeagwu N’Okwaragwu Kindred The Arianzu, Arochukwu Kingdom
Eze Ibom Isii, Arochukwu Kingdom Chairman Council of Nde Eze, Abia State.
