Late on the night of January 25, 2024, an unfolding drama began in Arochukwu Kingdom, centering around the DSS invitation of Eze Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro, which was declined due to a subsisting court order. The situation escalated the next day, with a significant presence of police and military forces, rumors of a planned coronation of a new Eze Ibom Isii, and an attack on a journalist during the morning events.
Chronology of Events:
1. DSS Invitation and Plan to Circumvent Court Order:
- DSS invited Eze Aro IX to their Umuahia office, which was declined based on a court order.
- The invitation was considered inappropriate, being conveyed through WhatsApp instead of a formal letter.
- Allegations suggested that the plan was to incapacitate Eze Aro IX and allow certain individuals to proceed with controversial actions.
2. Unusual Security Presence and Planned Coronation:
- Aro residents woke up to an unusual police and military presence, anticipating the planned coronation of a new Eze Ibom Isii and the subsequent crowning of Nwamazi Pastor Eberechukwu Oji as the new Eze Aro, despite a court order to the contrary.
- Mazi Amos Ngwu Egbwu Okoro was allegedly hired for the role of Eze Ibom Isii.
3. Assault on Journalist at the Palace:
- Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor, an aide to Governor Alex Otti and a relative, reportedly attacked a journalist covering the events at the palace.
- The journalist's camera was forcibly seized and some contents deleted, but Aro youths intervened, retrieving the camera.
4. Attempted Crowning Interrupted:
- The Pastor Eberechukwu Oji team moved to Ibom for the intended crowning of Mazi Amos Ngwu Egbwu Okoro as Eze Ibom Isii.
- Aro youths thwarted the attempt, seizing the sacrificial goat and drinks meant for the ceremony.
5. Deceptive Scheme in Umuahia:
- President-General Nzuko Aro, Mazi Dozie Udensi, directed a deceptive assembly of Umuahia members for an alleged important ceremony by Governor Dr. Alex Otti, concealing the true purpose.
- The ceremony aimed to hand over a staff of office to Nwamazi Pastor Eberechukwu Oji, with the Governor absent.
6. External Influence and Youth Resistance:
- Alleged hiring of mercenaries from Calabar to aid in executing their plans.
- Umu Aro youths stood firm, resisting external influences and contending with the schemes.
7. Eze Aro's Leadership Amidst Distractions:
- Despite the chaos, Eze Aro IX comfortably presided over a well-attended median Eze Aro-In-Council, demonstrating massive support.
- Eze Aro IX maintained leadership, alongside Eze Ibom Isii, Eze Ezeagwu, and 17 Eze Ogo/Arianzu.
8. Police Action Related to Fraud Allegations:
- Zone 9 of the Nigerian Police Force addressed alleged fraud and forgery in the registration of Okennachi Kindred Union.
- Individuals linked to the alleged offenses, including Mazi Joshua Eni Oji, Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi, and Mazi Udo Chijioke, were served letters of invitation to report to Zone 9 Umuahia.
In summary, Arochukwu witnessed a day of intense events, ranging from political maneuvering and attempts to circumvent court orders to resistance from the community and a strong show of support for Eze Aro IX. The situation remains dynamic, with implications for the stability and governance of the Arochukwu Kingdom.
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