Exclusive! Mazi Emma Kanu Speaks on Pre-coronation, Coronation and Service to Arochukwu Kingdom

In this insightful interview, we speak with Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi, a highly respected elder statesman and former President-General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide.

With decades of service to the Arochukwu Kingdom, Mazi Ivi shares his reflections on leadership, community development, and the evolving identity of the Aro people.

From his instrumental role in the coronation of Eze Aro, His Eminence Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji to his vision for youth and cultural preservation, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a leader whose life has been deeply intertwined with the service, growth and unity of Arochukwu Kingdom.

My name is Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi.

I understand that you have served in various capacities in Arochukwu, including as the President-General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide at some point. How has your experience in serving the community been so far?

Well, it has been a privilege. When your community finds you acceptable and qualified to serve, and they call on you to do so repeatedly, it indicates that there is something unique about your service. To me, service is service; all the efforts we have been putting in are purely pro bono. It is an honour to be called to serve my people.

Serving the Aro people, who are known for their intelligence, sophistication, and respectability, requires a great deal of care. You need to deeply understand their needs and strive to fulfil them. For me, the essence of service is to enhance the quality of life for the people, foster community development, and ensure peace throughout the process. It has not been easy, but we have made progress and continue to serve in various capacities.

Reflecting on Arochukwu today, do you feel fulfilled in these roles?

Judging from my experiences over the past 70 years, I have witnessed both the darkness and the bright days of Arochukwu. Currently, I am optimistic about the future. Comparing today with a few years ago, Arochukwu has undergone significant development. It has become more attractive—a place everyone wants to visit. We are reclaiming the lost glory of Aro, and the community is transitioning into a promising new era.

The quality of leadership we have now spans traditional, political, and union levels. The Arochukwu kingdom is advancing. We are fortunate to have a wise and capable king, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Kanu Oji. Since his ascension to the throne, we have seen tangible progress and development in every area.

Additionally, we are proud to have His Excellency Dr Alex Otti, another distinguished son of Arochukwu, serving at the Abia State level. It seems to be divine intervention to bring together two intellectuals in leadership, one at the state level and the other at the kingdom level. Their collaboration is fostering improvements in Arochukwu, Abia State, and the surrounding communities, including Ihechiowa. The influence of Aro is now reaching far beyond just Abia State, positively shaping the image of the Igbo nation throughout Nigeria and beyond.

Thank you, sir. You were involved in the pre-coronation, coronation, and now the post-coronation processes. How do you think these have worked out? Were there any challenges? Are there things you would have done differently?

To be candid, I was the Coordinating Chairman of the Selection Process Committee. We executed everything necessary to select the most suitable candidate in an open, transparent, and accountable manner. We resisted any external influence or factors that could negatively affect the Committee’s final decision. Consequently, the outcome was positive.

Of course, when multiple individuals contest for a position, it is not uncommon for some to feel aggrieved afterwards. For example, one participant, Prince Godwin Idei, who was involved throughout the selection process, began to express complaints after the final decision was made. However, such reactions are typical and should not disrupt the community. We have a saying: even when disagreements arise, they should not lead to self-destruction. Efforts have been made to reconcile everyone involved, and I believe that, over time, any lingering issues will be resolved. No one will remain permanently offended. It’s natural to feel unhappy after losing a contest.

What about those who may still feel dissatisfied with the selection process and the selection of His Eminence Eze Eberechukwu Oji as Eze Aro? What are your thoughts on these individuals?

I have never encountered a community or country where everyone unanimously accepts its leadership—whether a governor, president, or otherwise. The key is to consider the majority’s opinion: was the selection process transparent? If everything was conducted properly, those who are currently dissatisfied will eventually come around. We faced legal disputes for seven to eight years during the reign of the previous Eze, and he ultimately ruled for 25 years. Disagreements within families or communities are common, but they do not destroy the family or the kingdom. A few pockets of dissent may always exist, but they can be overcome.

This marks the second year of His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Kanu Oji’s reign. Has he met your expectations so far?

Yes, he has met my expectations within the given time frame. This situation is similar to comparing Governor Alex Otti’s tenure with those of previous leaders; he has accomplished in less than two years what others could not achieve in 24 years. In less than two years, His Eminence Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji has exceeded all expectations. Even those who previously opposed him now acknowledge his excellence. I believe he still has greater things to achieve, as there is no limit to success. Success breeds further success, and the reward for good service is more service. I am confident that he will continue to accomplish remarkable things, as there are many significant tasks ahead.

Now, let’s discuss the current season. What are your thoughts on it?

This season is a celebration of life, progress, love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and reunions. It is a time when young people get married, new events take place, and beautiful experiences happen. People celebrate their traditions and culture during this wonderful period of joy, showcasing their heritage.

Lastly, what advice do you have for the younger generations?

The younger generation has a brighter future than we did. When we were born, we faced many challenges: no electricity, no internet, and no mobile phones. Today, they have access to electricity, solar energy, the internet, and smartphones. My advice to them is as follows:

1. Listen to those who have experienced difficult times.
2. Be patient and learn from those who are more knowledgeable.
3. Obey the laws of the land and always do the right thing. Respect God.
4. Honour your elders and embrace your family culture if it holds value.
5. Uphold cultural values such as entrepreneurship, honesty, dignity, and integrity.
6. Demonstrate strong character, work hard, show an entrepreneurial spirit, and respect authority.

Every young person in this community, in Arochukwu, and across Nigeria should embody these values.