Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has presented a staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Eze Eberechukwku Oji, Eze Aro (IX) of Arochukwu Kingdom, with a charge to prioritize peace, unity, law and order among his community.
Governor Otti who gave the charge at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, during the official recognition of the traditional ruler, emphasized the importance of ruling with a sense of reverence for God and entrusted the newly recognized Eze Aro with the responsibility of leading his people in accordance with the laws of God.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzo Nwachukwu, the governor reiterated government’s no direct role in selecting the new Eze Aro Kingship.
He pointed out that the community adhered to constitutional processes governing autonomous communities, while government only endorsed the outcome.
Dr Otti noted that the state government had in a bid to address concerns and ensure a fair process in the Kingship tussle, intervened by establishing a panel of inquiry whose recommendations, provided the basis for a government-issued white paper.
The governor further explained that based on the white paper issued by government, the community, was tasked with following the outlined procedures, which culminated in receiving the government’s seal of approval upon completion.
He commended the community for their resilience and urged the people to overcome their challenges by uniting under the leadership of their newly recognised Eze and embraced peace for their overall interest of the Arochukwu Kingdom.
“We know that some people may still not be happy, but for the sake of Arochukwu, for the sake of Alaigbo, the people should embrace peace and work as one”, Nwachukwu emphasized.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Florence Chigbu and the Director, Chieftaincy Affairs Department, Mr Chuka Agomuo, explained that the Aro people followed the tradition and passed through due process in selecting their new traditional ruler.
In his response, the new Eze Aro, Eze Eberechukwu Oji, who expressed gratitude to God for guiding him through the turbulence of the selection process, also acknowledged Governor Otti for his wisdom and resilience, attributing the current peace and orderliness in Aro kingdom to his efforts.
Eze Aro who emphasized that the day marks a turning point for his people, assured that the kingdom would take the lead in all things including righteousness and respect for the rich cultural heritage of Aro kingdom.
He further pledged that the Aro kingdom under his leadership will be known for greatness, prosperity and peace in all things and a model upon which the Igbo traditional society would draw inspiration from.
