Abia Monarch calls unity, Peace, Peace Justice in Arochukwu kingdom
The Eze Ibom Isii HRH Mazi Amos Ngwu Egbu Okoro, has called on the people of Ibom Isii and Arochukwu Kingdom to remain united, uphold peace and draw inspiration from the resilience, intelligence and justice associated with their ancestors.
The Eze Ibom Isii made the call while speaking during the Nkwo Ekpe Ibom Isii, a part of the Ikeji-Aro celebration, an event dedicated to honouring Aro warriors and remembering the historical struggles that contributed to the emergence of the Aro Confederacy.
According to him, the occasion takes the people back to the period of warfare involving Aro warriors who migrated from their ancestral homeland into areas of present-day Cross River State, where they fought to establish what he described as the modern Igbokun Kingdom.
He said the Aro people’s forebears were renowned for resilience, intelligence, peace, love, human rights, and justice, urging the present generation to uphold those values.
“There are three kingdoms in Aro Kingdom, and these three have united themselves as one indivisible body, champions of human rights and justice. I appeal to us to follow the lead of our ancestors because united we stand and divided we fall,” he said.
Eze Amos also reflected on the challenges encountered over the past three years, noting that the journey had been marked by resistance, threats, and near-death experiences but expressed gratitude to God for seeing them through.
He explained that the traditional period associated with the celebration consists of sacred days in the Aro calendar, during which activities such as noise-making, fighting and certain meetings are prohibited as a demonstration of the Aro people’s commitment to peace.
The Eze Ibom Isii said efforts had also been made to promote peace and reconciliation within the community, noting that some people who were previously misinformed were beginning to understand and embrace their position.
He further highlighted development initiatives undertaken during the period under review, including efforts to light up Aro through solar lighting, with particular reference to Ibom Isii, as well as assistance provided to some people in need from available resources.
He said more support would be provided as resources become available.
The Eze Ibom Isii also described Ikeji-Aro, celebrated in September, as the Aro end-of-year thanksgiving, during which Aro people at home and in the diaspora come together with their kinsmen to thank God for preservation throughout the year.
He explained that Nkwo Ekpe is peculiar to Ibom Isii, serving as a period set aside by the Aro nation to honour its warriors and commemorate their feats in the wars that contributed to the establishment of the Aro Confederacy.
He appealed to the people of Ibom Isii to close ranks and work together toward building a stronger community.
“We appeal to all Ibom Isii to come together for us to unite as one indivisible body, so that we can build a greater Ibom Isii and, by extension, a greater Aro,” he said.
He wished long life to Ibom Isii, Aro Kingdom, and Abia State while praying for God’s blessings upon the people.
Highlight of the event was the cutting and eating of the new Yam, which was presented to Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom.
Other prominent personalities present were the Eze Ogos, President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, Mazi Okoroafor Ijomah, Mazi Azubike Okoro, Mazi Chibuzor Okereke, and others.