Stop parading as Eze Aro, court tells Eberechukwu Oji * Orders return to statusquo, withdrawal of staff of office from Oji

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Stop parading as Eze Aro, court tells Eberechukwu Oji

* Orders return to statusquo, withdrawal of staff of office from Oji

By Steve Oko

The contention over the Arochukwu royal stool, has taken a sudden twist following the order by Abia State High Court sitting at Nkwoagu Isuochi, which restrained

the newly-crowned Eze Aro, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, from parading himself as the King of Arochukwu.

Oji who was coronated on July 25 has the backing of the State Government while his cousin, Godwin Kanu Idei Okoro Kanu, earlier crowned in October 2023, enjoys the support of the traditional kingmaker.

Meanwhile, the restraining order dated July 31, 2024, was sequel to a suit marked HUM/1/2024 filed 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.

Defendants in the suit include: 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 are 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 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 filing of the suit.

The Court ordered Abia State Government to withdraw the staff of office given to Eberechukwu Oji.

A copy of the court order sighted by Wawa News Global, 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.

Meanwhile, the Director of Palace Communication, Mazi Dr Agodi Kanu, later in a statement, urged Aro people to keep their loyalty with HRM Okoro Oke Idei as the authentic Eze Aro.

The statement also called on Aro people 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.

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Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.