By BONIFACE AKARAH

An Igbo leader, Great Imo Jonathan, has criticised the reported involvement of His Eminence Eberechukwu Orji, Eze Aro IX of Arochukwu, in a Southern Traditional Rulers Council initiative being coordinated by the Ooni of Ife, …, describing the move as unacceptable to many within the Igbo community.

Jonathan, in an open letter, expressed concern that the arrangement lacks a rotational leadership structure and, in his view, does not provide a pathway for Igbo traditional rulers to assume leadership within the council. He argued that such an arrangement could be perceived as diminishing the standing of Igbo royal institutions.

He further maintained that the Aro Kingdom occupies a significant place in Igbo history and identity, citing the legacy of the Aro Confederation as one of the most influential pre-colonial formations in the region. According to him, the institution should not be drawn into political alignments that may generate controversy or division.

Jonathan called on prominent sons and daughters of Arochukwu to engage the Eze Aro on the matter, urging that the throne’s historic and cultural significance be preserved. He suggested that efforts should instead focus on strengthening unity among ancient Igbo kingdoms, including those historically linked to Aro influence in present-day Rivers State and other areas.

The open letter reads in full:

“THE GREAT ARO KINGDOM MUST NOT BRING SHAME TO THE IGBO NATION

“It is shameful that His Eminence Eberechukwu Orji, Eze Aro 1X Of Arochukwu Kingdom, is subsuming the great Aro Kingdom and Igbo royal fathers under the Ooni of Ife, through the so called Southern Traditional Rulers Council, which has no rotational leadership agreement and has no provision for any Igbo king to become its leader in the future; making it a permanent servanthood for Igbo traditional rulers under it. This as an insult to the Igbo nation. It appears that he is bringing Yoruba overlordship upon the Igbo nation, maybe because of his membership in the Yoruba-owned Redeemed Church.

“Eze Aro must desist from using highly revered ancient Igbo throne to play errand boy role in Nigeria. Aro Kingdom has been one of the leading lights in Igbo historic trajectory and must not be diminished by some political association or foreign religious affiliation of the newly crowned Eze Aro. The Aro Confederation was one of the most Igbo significant Empires in the history of black race and should not be toyed with. All knowledgeable Igbo sons and daughters know what that Kingdom and the Throne represents and will not be happy that it could be turned into a disguised City Boys political tool.

“Great sons and daughters of Aro should please talk to Eze Aro to please respect the legacy of Aro Kingdom, which is one of the pride of Igbo nation. Rather than get involved in this symbolic southern traditional rulers political support group, Eze Aro should seek to bring together Igbo ancient kingdoms, including those earlier established by the powerful Aro rulers in the present day Rivers and beyond.

“We must know our history and be confident of who we are.”