The Eze Aro Designate Prince Eberechukwu Oji has stated that there is no conflict between his Christian faith and the cultural values of the Arochukwu kingdom citing the British Monarchy which is revered all over the world.
Speaking to pressmen on Monday, the pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, disclosed that the late Eze Aro, Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro, CFR, was a Christian and was a member of the Presbyterian Church and reiterated that individuals should be separated from the beautiful cultures and customs of the land.
“We have to separate the religion and culture as there’s no conflict between both. While we preserve our culture, we ought to also separate our culture from idol worship and I will exercise the kingship to all Aro and not to a certain few. We have to separate individual faith from our beautiful culture. The number one monarchy is the British and they have reconciled their culture and monarchy to their religion. The last Eze Aro who was my uncle was a Christian, he was an Anglican. So there’s no conflict at all.”
Speaking further on the dispute on the kingship of the Aro Kingdom, the 50-year-old Prince Oji stated that he was selected by his family after the kingship was thrown open to the ruling family to a younger generation. He made it clear that he passed through some screening to emerge as the custodian of the cultures of the Arochukwu culture. Speaking on the rigorous exercise, he said;
“Our cultures are very clear in Kingship selection. It’s not hereditary. We do not present anyone who has a case of mental illness, robbery, or has ever been to prison. A screening exercise is done until the committee identifies someone worthy of the throne. That’s the culture. The Okpara Ezi is my uncle who is 91 so we approached our elders and told them that it would be wise to hand over the mantle of leadership to the younger ones while they become the guardians to modify our culture and create more development. This was applauded by most people and our fathers agreed. The search for a younger Eze started and we ended up with multiple young people. The criteria was that nobody above 70 would be considered. In my family, we were two but my uncle graciously stepped down for me. Through the screening, we made our case on why we deserve to be the Eze. On the day of the election, five persons voted for me while the other two committee members voted for the other contestant Prince Godwin Kalu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke who is parading himself as the Eze Aro. But once the result was announced, he stormed out and urged that he be declared the Eze. We weren’t perturbed and went to the Ndi Oke Nnachi family comprising of Asi Eko Oke Nnachi, Kanu Okoro Oke Nnachi, and Oji Okoro Oke Nnachi who performed the traditional rites and I was presented as the Eze Aro designate.”
He reiterated that there’s no debacle about who is the Eze Aro or not as the traditional rites have been done leaving only the coronation which comes on the 26th of December 2023.
“I have a deep respect for custom and tradition. We will uphold the Arochukwu culture greatly on the 26th of December 2023. I’m excited about it looking at what the planning committee is putting together.”
Prince Eberechukwu Oji pointed out that even though he’s mostly outside the shores of the country he will marry both his home and abroad to lead and bring further development to the Aro Kingdom. He stated that with his knowledge and businesses, he wished that the Arochukwu kingdom be revered in the country as done in other places. Citing the Ooni of Ife, Olu of Warri, and other rulers, he stated that he would make sure adequate development is brought into the kingdom to push both the old and young to an ultimate and improved standard of living.
In response to a question on how rulers are more afraid of the reactions of the government than speaking the truth and protecting the people that they lead, Prince Oji made it clear that criticism should be constructive. He stated that the intent of every criticism should be to proffer solutions and be a part of development.
“I handle operations in many States and interact with governors in many States including the Olu of Warri. When you criticize, it should be constructive and to proffer a solution. As a King, you should be able to consult with the governor and be a part of the change and if the problem continues, it’s necessary to pre-inform that the matter will be taken to the court of public opinion. It’s wrong for a matter to be taken to the public without due consultation with the State Government.”
He lastly, called on indigenes and friends of the Aro Kingdom to remain steadfast in prayer and committed to upholding the traditions of the kingdom.
The stool of the Eze Aro has been in conflict after the selection process which led to the suspension of the Eze Ibom Isii in a letter signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu.
