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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The traditional ruler of Arochukwu Kingdom (Eze Aro), in Abia State, has said he kicked against permanent headship of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council (STRC), or symbolic dominance by any one cultural Bloc in any association or forum in which he is involved.
“The principle we uphold in Aro Kingdom is open, equal, and constructive partnership, not hierarchy,” he stated. Eze Aro, who has come under attack for attending a meeting of the STRC, believed to be permanently chaired by the Ooni of Ife, in trying to clarify issues over his attendance, said unity must be built on equity.
A statement by Mazi Udo Chijioke (UgwuAro), on behalf of Okpankpo Aro (the highest decision making organ) and Arochukwu Traditional Council, read: “We strongly believe that the only acceptable foundation for any inter regional traditional collaboration is equality, mutual respect, and rotational leadership. Anything contrary would not command legitimacy or acceptance.
“Our King, the Eze Aro, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, will not be part of any arrangement that undermines these principles. That is our position and it remains non negotiable. We are, however, watching developments in the said organisation, currently in its formative stage, quite closely and with interest.
“We reassure our people, who hold the throne of the Eze Aro in the highest esteem, that the cultural authority of the Igbo traditional institution, symbolised in sacred custodianship and ancestral legitimacy, cannot be transferred, diluted, or subordinated through attendance at meetings.
“Eze Aro remains accountable, first, to the Aro Kingdom and the Igbo heritage he represents.”
While the statement welcomes genuine concerns and constructive comments that have been dished out, so far, it urges all to avoid inflammatory statements capable of generating unnecessary distrust among southern peoples and nationalities.
“We are fully conscious that Nigeria’s recurring challenges often stem from structural mistrust and perception gaps. This must be avoided. Responsible leadership requires calm clarity, not emotional escalation.
“The Arochukwu Traditional Council, hereby, affirms that the participation of His Eminence, Eze Aro IX, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, in the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council must be understood within the broader context of modern leadership, regional cooperation, partnership, cultural diplomacy, and strategic engagement.
“Let it be clear: There is no subordination, and none will happen. There is no surrender of identity, and none is intended, there will be no acceptance of hierarchy over Igbo traditional institutions. We reaffirm that the throne of the Eze Aro is not subordinate to any other throne in the land.
Let it be clearly stated that the throne of the Eze Aro remains supreme within the Aro Kingdom and the wider Aro nation across Nigeria.
“The throne is inferior to none and superior to many, given the historic role of Arochukwu as the cradle of Igbo civilisation. At no time has Eze Aro subordinated his throne to any other traditional authority, nor will such a situation arise now or in the foreseeable future under our watch. Participation in a forum does not amount to submission. Dialogue is not subjugation. Engagement is not surrender”, the statement added.
