...Orders state govt to withdraw his staff of office
The newly coronated king of Arochukwu ancient kingdom of Abia State, (Eze Aro), His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has been restrained by court from parading himself as Eze Aro.
This is coming barely one week after the glamorous coronation ceremony of the oil magnet and Pastor-turned monarch.
There had been a tussle over the royal stool between Dr Eberechukwu Oji, and his kinsman, Godwin Kanu Idei.
The restraining order dated July 31, 2024, was issued by an Abia State High Court sitting at Nkwoagu Isuochi before Justice Chido Nwakanma.
The order 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.
The Defendants 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 Godwin 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 institution of the suit.
The order therefore, mandated the State Government to withdraw the staff of office given to Eberechukwu Oji.
A copy of the court order sighted by Vanguard 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.
Later in a statement, the Director of Palace Communication, Mazi Dr Agodi Kanu, urged Aro people to remain calm and loyal to 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. (c) The said Coronation celebration that held
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"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.
