In the midst of the ongoing debate surrounding the kingship (Eze Aro) of Arochukwu Kingdom, Aro Okeigbo Blog has initiated a series of interviews with prominent members of the Arochukwu community. One of the notable figures we had the privilege to speak with is Mazi Chijioke Oti, who holds the esteemed position of Eze Ama Etiti and is from the Nde Oti compound in Ibom village, Arochukwu.
During our candid conversation with Eze Ama Etiti, Mazi Chijioke Oti provided a unique perspective on the controversy and shared valuable insights into the ongoing debate surrounding the kingship. Notably, he offered a viewpoint on Nwamazi Pastor Eberechukwu Oji, whom he identified as his nephew.
Mazi Chijioke Oti explained that Nwamazi Pastor Eberechukwu Oji sought his advice on several occasions, even asking him to sign a letter pertaining to the alleged suspension of Eze Ibom Isii. However, Eze Ama Etiti, despite his familial connection to Nwamazi Pastor Eberechukwu, firmly declined. He pointed out that he would not endorse or be involved in anything that could jeopardize someone’s life. His reasoning was grounded in the belief that Nwamazi Eberechukwu Oji is not qualified for the throne.
Eze Ama Etiti emphasized that, traditionally, it is not their turn to produce the Eze Aro, and even if it were, Nwamazi Eberechukwu Oji would still not be eligible. The primary reasons cited were that his father is still alive, he is the second son of his father, and he serves as a pastor in a church. These factors make it challenging for him to fulfill the traditional roles and responsibilities that come with the Royal throne.
Regarding the alleged suspension of Eze Ibom Isii, Mazi Chijioke Oti declined to sign the letter, primarily due to his family’s role in the crowning of Eze Ibom Isii. He reiterated that Ibom Welfare Union lacks the authority to suspend Eze Ibom Isii. Eze Ama Etiti underscored that Eze Ibom Isii serves not only as the Eze of Ibom village but also as the Eze of six different villages, making it a multifaceted and complex role.
Furthermore, Mazi Chijioke Oti shared that the individuals who signed the alleged suspension letter had faced disqualification by their respective families when they attempted to parade themselves as Eze Ezi of Different Ibom Compounds. He pointed out instances where Okereke Livinus Orji from Okoni compound in Ibom and Udonsi Owen from Nde Owuu compound in Ibom had been rejected by their own respective families, rendering them ineligible to represent them as Eze Ezi. Additionally, he mentioned that Obieze had not been taken seriously in any Ibom Welfare Union-related matters previously.
The interview with Eze Ama Etiti raised questions about the legitimacy of those who signed the suspension letter. Mazi Chijioke Oti emphasized that, according to tradition, approved Eze Ezi’s must be presented to the Ibom Cabinet for confirmation, a step that he had not witnessed in the case of the individuals who signed the letter.
In conclusion, Eze Ama Etiti reaffirmed that Nwamazi Pastor Eberechukwu Oji should desist from pursuing the throne, emphasizing that the Eze Aro stool is not a political position but a hereditary and family trait, deeply rooted in tradition.
The debate surrounding the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom continues to be a matter of great significance, shaped by centuries of history, culture, and tradition.
For more news and updates on this ongoing matter, visit Aro Okeigbo Blog.
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