Eze Aro calls for true federalism, Kanu’s release at coronation

The paramount ruler of Arochukwu kingdom, and Eze Aro the 9th, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Eberechukwu Kanu Oji on Saturday, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to embrace true federalism and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.

The Eze Aro made this call during his coronation ceremony in Arochukwu, stating, “To the Nigerian federal authorities, I extend the respectful call for a genuine embrace of true federalism. Marginalization and exclusion must give way to inclusion, fairness, and justice.

The monarch noted, “The Igbo people, with their remarkable contributions and rich cultural heritage, deserve a central place at the heart of our nation’s development. Let us build a Nigeria where every ethnic group, including the Igbos, can thrive and contribute to a truly united, progressive and sustainable nationhood, thereby fostering a peaceful environment, where every citizen feels a sense of belonging.”

The royal father also pleaded, “Along these lines, I seize this opportunity to lend my voice to the concerted calls on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the release of our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from his command detention. His release, already sanctioned by court injunctions, is overdue and will be in the interest of promoting peace and justice in Nigeria.”

Speaking on the contested throne, the Eze Aro assured, “I am committed to bringing utmost dignity and attracting the highest respect to the throne of Eze Aro. I promise to lead with the fear of God and respect for everyone.”

I pledge before you today to lead this renaissance with steadfast dedication, harnessing the strength, resilience and ingenuity of our people.

“Going forward, I will continue to engage in regional and national efforts that align with my agenda of elevating the Arochukwu kingdom to new hands of glory and development by putting God first, upholding our age-long cultural ideals and abiding by our kingdom’s motto, ‘Ako bu ije’.

“Our unity and progress are inexplicable ways to the broader aspirations of the Igbo people. By fostering collaboration and mutual support across the Eastern Nigeria land, we can unlock the potential that lies within every Igbo and indeed Aro community. Our shared history, our shared values and our shared ambitions must guide us towards a future where the Igbo nation stands tall, contributing significantly to the Nigerian federation’s growth and prosperity.”

Speaking during the coronation ceremony, the governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, commended the Aro people for making the right and best choice in choosing His Royal Majesty Dr Oji as the 9th Eze Aro of Aro Kingdom, stating, “I do not doubt that majority of Aro people are very happy with what is happening here today. There may be one or two people that are not happy, but is not our business to make everybody happy.

“Let me make one point clear; any society that does not have leadership is cursed. And, leadership comes neither from the East, West, North or South. The Bible recorded that power comes from God. And in His own time, He makes things beautiful. So, I would like to use what happened in Aro and reconnect it to other societies. Why do I say so? Gone are the days when people choose the worst rather than the best as leaders.

“I want to say without any fear of contradiction, that the Aro people made the best choice. From what I have seen, from what I have read, from what I have heard about the Eze Aro the 9th, he is the best in his class.

“He is the type of leader which every society should aim to have. A leader who will invest in the community rather than stealing from the community, a leader who will show the light rather than initiating people into darkness, and a leader who has a second address (a profession).

“This is because, if you don’t have a second address, then where you are becomes your second address and the tendency is for people who don’t have a second address to begin to dip their hands in the till.

“I can see that the Eze Aro of Arochukwu will not deep his hands into the till, but on the other hand, contribute his resources to the development of the Aro community.”