…Orders Abia govt to de-recognise him
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The last is yet to be heard of the kingship tussle in Arochukwu ancient kingdom, as an Abia State High Court sitting in Isuochi, has restrained the newly coronated Eze Aro, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, from parading himself as Eze Aro.
Oji, an oil magnet and Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, was coronated on July 25, amidst pomps and pageantry.
Recall that Oji, and his cousin, Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke, had been in the eye of the ezeship tussle.
The court order dated July 31, came on the heels of a suit marked HUM/1/2024, and instituted by the President General, Ibom Isii, Mazi Adolphus Nwankwo (for himself and on behalf of Ibom Isii); Mazi Kingsley Kanu Okoro Oke ( for himself and members of Kanu Okoro Oke and Asi Eko Royal ruling families of Oro Okennachi); and Mazi Dike Ezenta (for himself and on behalf of all concerned Umu Aro for Justice and Equity from the 19 villages of Arochukwu kingdom.
Listed as Defendants were Mazi Udo Chijioke, Nwa Mazi Pastor Eberechukwu Oji, all Pastors listed for coronation of 2nd defendant, Sammy Wonder, and the Attorney General of Abia State.
Others include Governor Alex Otti, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu; the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; HRH Eze Kanu Nwa Kanu, and HRM Mazi Godwin Idei Kanu Okoro Oke.
The claimants argued that HRM Eze Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke was already crowned as at October 20, 2023 prior to the institution of the suit.
The order mandated the State Government to withdraw the staff of office given to Eberechukwu Oji.
A copy of the court order read in part: “That the 5″, 6″, 7” and 8 Respondents are mandated and compelled to immediately withdraw the staff of office given to the 2™ Respondent as Eze Aro 1X while the subject matter is subjudice, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
“That the 2™ Respondent is restrained from further parading himself as Eze Aro IX, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
“That all parties to this suit are restored to and/or mandated, directed, and compelled to be restored to, their former condition and status before the filing of this suit pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
“That the Respondents, their agents, privies, servants or any other person whosoever are restrained from harassing, intimidating and threatening to dethrone Eze Ogo Adaga, Eze Eze Agwu, Eze Ibom Isii and all other Eze Ogos in the 19 villages of Arochukwu who are Claimant’s vital witnesses, and threatening to arrest or detain them in whatsoever manner or destroying/interfering with Claimants’ evidence pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”
A statement issued by the Director of Palace Communication, Mazi Dr Agodi Kanu, urged Aro people to remain loyal to HRM Okoro Oke Idei as the only Eze Aro.
It also urged them to disregard the calendar for Ikeji Aro festival issued by Pastor Eberechukwu Oji, explaining that Okoro Oke had already released a timetable for the festival.
The statement read: “The implication of these Orders are that: (a) in the eyes of the law, Nwamazi Pastor Eberechukwu Eni Kanu Oji was never crowned Eze Aro. (b) The Staff of Office and Certificate of Recognition issued him on 26th January, 2024 is now in the hands of HM Eze Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke.
“The purported 2024 Ikeji Aro circulating and signed by Nwamazi Pastor Eberechukwu Eni Kanu Oji by reason of the court order is a nullity and should be discountenanced in its entirety. The earlier released calendar signed by His Majesty Eze Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke in green pen remains unchallenged and sacrosanct.
“In line with the peaceful posture of our amiable Eze Aro, Umu Aro are enjoined to remain peaceful, law abiding and go about their lawful vocations without fears of harassment and intimidation.
“In the coming days, His Majesty Eze Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke, the IX Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom will roll out some reforms that will straighten our institution for optimum service delivery.
“This court order is a victory for Umu Aro without exception as we urge everyone to close ranks with a view to rescuing and restoring our dwindling glory and status before our immediate neighbours, within Abia State and Ala Igbo in general as Bekee Mbu,” the statement added.
