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A constitutional crisis is looming in Arochukwu Kingdom, Abia State, as the government sets its sights on appealing a court ruling that orders Governor Alex Otti to strip Nwa Mazi Eberechukwu Kanu Oji of the staff of office, sparking a heated debate over the legitimacy of the Eze Aro IX titleholder.
The contentious coronation of Oji as Eze Aro IX on July 27, 2024, and the subsequent court order declaring it null and void, have exacerbated the divisions among the 19 kindreds of Arochukwu Kingdom, threatening to tear the kingdom apart.
The Arochukwu Kingdom’s kindreds are split down the middle, with Ibom Isii-led groups standing firm with the earlier crowned Eze Aro, Godwin Kanu Idei, and applauding the court order, whereas those backing Eberechukwu Oji have expressed dismay and are poised to join the government’s appeal.
Abia State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, has indicated that the government will take a two-pronged approach, appealing the court’s decision and also seeking a stay of execution to halt the order’s implementation.
On July 31, 2024, the Abia State High Court in Umunneochi, presided over by Justice C. Chido Nwakanma, ruled in favor of a motion on notice filed in suit No.HUM/1/2024, declaring the coronation of Eze Aro a nullity.
Read also: Engineer, 50, Ascends Throne As 9th Monarch Of Arochukwu
The court held that the coronation was held sub judice since the suit over the tussle for Eze Aro stool is still pending in court hence the state government should not have authorised the coronation.
Aside from Governor Otti, the mandatory court order also affected other government officials, including the Attorney General, Ikechukwu Uwanna, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzo Nwachukwu and his ministry.
They were all “mandated and compelled” to withdraw the staff of office from Eberechukwu Oji.
The court also ordered that all parties in the suit should return to their former positions and conditions pending the determination of the matter.
The court further restrained Nwa Mazi Pastor Eberechukwu Eni Kanu Oji from parading himself as Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom.
In addition, the court restrained all the respondents and their agents in whatever name or nomenclature from harassing, intimidating or threatening the 19 Eze Ogos, Eze Asaga, Eze Ezeagwu, Eze Ibom Isii with dethronement, arrest and detention in whatever manner.
The court’s ruling brought clarity to a contentious issue, establishing that Eze Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke’s coronation on October 20, 2023, was a done deal, occurring weeks before the lawsuit was filed, and thus, his royal position remains unassailable.
In a move to prevent further escalation, the court nullified the coronation of Nwa Mazi Pastor Eberechukwu Eni Kanu Oji as Eze Aro, effectively putting his reign on hold until the legal battle resolves, paving the way for a clear determination of the rightful Eze Aro IX.
In addition to the staff of office, the court also invalidated the certificate of recognition presented to him on January 26, 2024, essentially putting his title in limbo until the suit is decided, ensuring a fair and just outcome.
The Eze Aro stool controversy has been thrust into the spotlight by a lawsuit brought forth by Mazi Adolphus Nwankwo, President General of Ibom Isii Kindred, in conjunction with Mazi Kingsley Okoro Oke, representing the ruling families of Oro Okennachi, and Mazi Dike Ezenta, spearheading the Concerned Umuaro for Justice and Equity movement, which encompasses representatives from the 19 villages of the Arochukwu Kingdom.
Named as defendants in the lawsuit are a diverse group of individuals, including Mazi Udo Chijioke, Nwa Mazi Eberechukwu Kanu Oji, and Rev Uma Ukpai, who were all slated to participate in the coronation ceremony, alongside Sam Wonder, the Attorney General, Governor Otti, the LG Commissioner, and representatives from the Ministry of Local Government Areas, as well as traditional leaders HRH Eze Kanu Nwa Kanu and HRM Godwin Okoro Oke.
