INAUGURATION OF THE SOUTHERN NIGERIA TRADITIONAL RULERS COUNCIL

 It was a dream come true, writes ERNIE ONWUMERE

The Aro Kingdom, a historic empire of a culturally rich people, is rising to reclaim its rightful place in Nigeria. Inspired by the Owerri example, we are witnessing a resurgence of pride, identity, and self-determination. For too long, the Aro Kingdom’s contributions to Nigeria’s history, culture, and development have been overlooked. But today, we are reasserting our heritage and our rightful position as a leading kingdom within Nigeria.

History was made on 30 July, 2024 at the Banquet Hall of Rockview Hotel, Owerri, when first-class traditional rulers from the 17 Southern States of Nigeria assembled for the inauguration of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council. This was the first time since 1914 that traditional rulers of the South were coming together “to work in synergy for the peace of Nigeria and the furtherance of the unity of the Southern Traditional Institution” with the motto “Togetherness, Strength and Progress”.

I had the privilege of attending the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council inauguration, where Nigerian President Bola Tinubu was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. Hosted by Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma, the epochal event was also graced by Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State and Chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum, and Governor of Yobe State, Hon Mai Mala Buni. Also in attendance were esteemed royal fathers, including the Ooni of Ife, Jaja of Opobo, Obong of Calabar, Dein of Agbor, Obi of Obinugwu, and many others. Eze Aro’s entrance received a resounding ovation, and he was the centre of attention.

The arrival of Eze Aro, His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, at the Owerri venue was met with a warm and dignified welcome by the Iyom Aro, Owerri branch, who were stunningly dressed in their Omu-Aro attire. The Dein of Agbor, who serves as Secretary of the Council, made a significant observation, noting that women had been traditionally excluded from the celebration. He expressed his desire to see this change and implored Eze Aro to bring the Aro women to Abeokuta, the next host state, to participate in the celebration. The royal fathers were entertained by the melodious response by Iyom nganga…Maziiiii. This marked a significant moment in the recognition of women’s importance in the Aro tradition.

Aside from the Iyom Aro’s welcome, Eze Aro’s grand arrival was also made more exciting and respectable with his majestic ushering to the event by Ekpe Aro. The traditional cleansing of his chair on the high table by Inyankpe was a beautiful ritual, filling the air with anticipation. As His Eminence regally marched in, responding to the Nsibiri, the hall was electrified with excitement.

The Obong of Calabar was also warmly recognized by Inyankpe, and in response, he graciously moved to embrace Eze Aro. Governor Hope Uzodimma, visibly overwhelmed with emotion, exclaimed, “Ndi Igbo now has a quality Eze Aro to represent them on the national stage.” He affectionately added, “Eze Aro, where have you been? Your presence is a blessing.”

Earlier at the pre-inauguration state dinner hosted at Government House, Owerri, Senator Hope Uzodimma was visibly concerned that Eze Aro was not present, given the President’s scheduled attendance the next day. I had to reassure the Ooni of Ife, Obong of Calabar, Jaja of Opobo, and particularly the Dein of Agbor that His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro, would indeed be at the inauguration.

The special interest in Eze Aro stems from the technical committee meeting of the royal fathers held on 21 May, 2024 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. In attendance were 19 royal fathers, comprising  His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwunsi, CFR, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife; His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi, Otu Obong of Calabar; HRM, Eze Cletus I Ilomuanya, CON, Obi of Obinugwu and Chairman Imo State Council of Elders; HRM, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Alara of Ilara; HRM Eze Emmanuel C. Okeke CFR, Eze Udo II of Amaife Ancient Kingdom; and HRM Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi CFR, Odudun II Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom.

Also in attendance were HRM Eze Linus Mbah Nto Eze Udo I of Ata Igbo Ukwu and Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers; HRM Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi Kusenla III, Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom; HM, Dandeson Douglas Jaja, CFR, DSSRS, Jeki V, Jaja of Opobo; HRM Oba (Dr.) Babtunde Ola Ogunlaja Aladeshoyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom; HRM Oba Adesegun Bolaji Alowonle, Elemuren of Imure; HRM Oba Suleiman Adekunle Bamgbade Ayodele III Olofin of Isheri, Adimula of Awori Land; HRM Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole Ajero of Ijero; HRM Oba Ayorinde Ilori Fabaro Ajiboyede III, Olojudo of Ido Kingdom; HRM Oba Adekunle Adeagbo Oore Otun, the Paramount Ruler of Mobaland; HRM Eze M. C. Nwokoma, KSC, JP, MPA, Okaa-Omee 4th of Umuokanne Ancient Kingdom, Ohaji/Egbema; HRM Oba N. Osoja Onikogbo of Ikogbo; His Eminence, Eze Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom; and HRM, Obi Benjamin Keagborukuzi Ikenchukwu, Dein of Agbor.

At the Owerri event, His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro, was inaugurated as an executive council member. His brilliance, wisdom, and carriage have been widely celebrated by the media, government, and royal fathers. It was an emotional moment seeing how he was received with reverence by other royal fathers. The event was captured live by four national TV -NTA, Channels, Arise and TVC and still available for view online.

During the group photography session after the inauguration, a remarkable moment unfolded as all the traditional rulers eagerly sought to take a photo with Eze Aro. The monarchs from Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, led by HRM Eze Linus Mbah Nto Eze Udo I of Ata Igbo Ukwu, were particularly thrilled. In a heartwarming display of unity and respect, many traditional rulers from Imo State also approached Eze Aro to announce their Aro origin and pledged their loyalty to him. This moment underscored the significance of Eze Aro’s leadership and the deep connections that exist among the traditional rulers.

Also, very cheering are the old boys of Emmanuel College, Owerri and FUTO Alumni who besieged him for a photo session. Dr Felix Ndukwe, the legendary gospel musician of “Chinekem kaa” fame, who entertained with his music, performed a special song for Eze Aro.  

If Eze Aro’s arrival at the Owerri event was impressive, his departure made a spectacular finale. By protocol, the government had reserved the Royal Suite at Protea Owerri for all traditional rulers that evening. However, I announced to the surprise of the royal fathers and the state government that Eze Aro would be continuing his traditional rituals and would need to return to Aro by 10 pm.

We then proceeded to the Full Moon Hotel in Owerri, where we were warmly hosted by Mazi Chike Okoroafor in a luxurious Royal Suite, complete with a penthouse amid the Umu Aro who had come to pay homage to His Eminence. The evening was a fitting conclusion to a momentous day, filled with tradition, culture, and regal splendour.

The evening at Full Moon Hotel was truly unforgettable, living up to its lofty expectations. The traditional dinner was a royal treat, featuring an array of local delicacies such as Oka n’ube, roasted Atuma, Aniokpoo, and Ikokoo. Each dish was a master-class in flavour and presentation, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Aro. The ambience was equally impressive, with warm hospitality and elegant surroundings that made the evening truly special.

Earlier in the morning, the Eze Aro and his esteemed entourage from Aro homeland arrived at the residence of the President General of Nzuko Arochukwu, Mazi Dozie Udensi in Owerri, where they were warmly hosted in accordance with traditional customs. The dignified delegation was honoured with the cherished tradition of “ikwo okpa ururu” ceremony, a symbolic gesture of respect and hospitality to welcome a traveller.

In all, the emergence of the incumbent Eze Aro at this pivotal moment in Aro Kingdom is truly divine. This was evident during the historic inauguration of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council in Owerri, where his presence was a beacon of hope and unity. The timing of his arrival as Eze Aro is a testament to the divine hand at play, and his leadership is poised to bring about a new era of cooperation and progress among traditional rulers in the region.

The Owerri example serves as a potent signal of greater things to come, showcasing the power of unity, determination, and strategic engagement. We are building on this momentum, harnessing our collective strength, and forging a new path forward. As we reclaim our rightful place, we honour our ancestors, celebrate our culture, and embrace our uniqueness. We are proud of our heritage and our contributions to Nigeria’s rich tapestry.

Onwumere writes from Owerri