Perspectives In Aro History & Civilization



Perspectives on Aro History & Civilization

(The Splendour Of A Great Past)

Vol. 1

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PREFACE

The changes brought about by slave trade and colonialism in most societies have continued to attract serious commentaries and books of this nature. Chinua Achebe in his book, Anthills of the Savannah attests that all over the world the labor of "serfs, starving peasants and slaves were used to erect cathedrals, pyramids and stone towers". While the slaves from Africa were used to develop other continents, African societies were neglected and today they are under developed and suffer from stunted growth, sapped energies and lethargy. That is not all; the continent is also affected by widespread poverty, diseases and disillusionment.

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Aro Kingdom was almost at the peak of its greatness when the British imperialists invaded her territory. This incidence was replicated, all over the continent, where societies evolving naturally at their own pace and potentials were systematically imperiled, broken up and ultimately destroyed. Bini, Kanem-Borno, Ashanti, Songhai, Mali, etc suffered this fate. The aftermath of the monumental destruction, trauma, and distortion are evident and the traces still manifest themselves in our societies. Walter Rodney articulated these issues most eloquently in his celebrated, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa.

The siege has continued unabated, and that is why the agitation for reparation to Africa has always been ignored by the Western imperialist powers. The cry for debt forgiveness or rescheduling is also being rebuffed and treated with paralyzing levity. Undoubtedly, the truth remains incontrovertible that Africa was mindlessly impoverished, ravaged and plundered for centuries by the West. It is therefore only fair that the exploiters of Africa be made accountable for their heinous crimes. More so, when such payments have been made to the Jews by several countries for the crimes committed against them during the world wars.

The members of the Editorial Board of Aro News have done a lot of work in preparing this reference guide and compendium of fresh data and materials on Aro history and civilization. They have also drawn attention to some salient issues in Aro history which are yet to be successfully resolved by Historians, Anthropologists, Sociologists, etc. They have done so in a simple, lucid and free-flowing prose which would enable readers to easily comprehend the events. The challenge of this work therefore lies in its ability to stimulate scholarly discourse out of which the dynamics of Aro history and culture may arise. This depth of information, which could be said to be the most current on the subject, speaks volumes about the ingenuity and intellectual strength of the editors.

I commend their efforts and also recommend the book to all Aro and non-Aro who are interested in Aro history, ideology, customs and traditions. While congratulating the initiative and dynamism of Mazi Azubike Okoro and Nwa- Mazi Ben Ezumah, Publisher/Editor in-Chief and Editor of Aro News respectively, I strongly recommend that you pick copies of this book for your family libraries and friends.

Mazi Dave Imoko

Secretary-General, Nzuko Aro

Member, Aro 2002 Commission

Abuja, Nigeria

June 2001

EPILOGUE

Good wine needs no bush

As we turn to the last pages of this compendium a complete picture of Aro kingdom long before western thought and influences rudely crept in upon us begins to emerge.

Our walk down the ancient streets of Aro Golden Age, 1750-1902 presented us a better appreciation of Aro history and civilization, the internal dynamics which propelled its ascendancy, nay descendency. From the 1850s, we saw the enormous potentials of the Aro society as it moved from a sleeping rural environment to a metropolis in the hob of flux and reflux of enterprise and quest.

We understood how by the end of the nineteenth century the Kingdom had come to reckoning as a major power broker and economic bloc. So much so as to have mustered the resources to withstand the onslaught of the British expeditionists on the geopolitical configurations of the whole of the Igbo country and beyond. Aro reached the zenith of a great build up that took over two hundred and fifty years within the period we reviewed. The Eze Aro throne and such institutions as the Ekpe society and the Ibinukpabi ensured that a stable traditional government was firmly in place.

Towards the end of the nineteenth century, the Nwa Mgbede train had by then made its umpteenth rounds through the labyrinthine streets of Amazu, Ibom Isii down to the Ezumezu square at Obinkita. Each round show cased sheer choreography, beauty, pageantry, love, dance, song, masks, sculpture and customs which had been handed down from one generation to another.

Succinctly put, the Ekpe institution, the Ibinukpabi, Aro calendar, the Omu Aro emblem, the Omu Aro George (wrapper), the Aro world view, the Eze Aro throne etc, are undiminishable aspects of Aro tradition and culture which shall remain with us so long as the sun rises from the East and withdraws in the West. These and a lot more form the integral part of Aro nation. They are inseparable as they are inalienable and identifiable with the Aros.

Furthermore, each generation discovers its essence, the protection of Aro identity and the propagation of Aro culture and civilization would have to be taken to another level in an age of information technology. People from other places want to know how Aro is faring. Historians, scholars and academics would want to verify their information on Aro, validate their views and authenticate facts available to them through secondary sources. This is why Aro should begin to make conscious effort to represent Aro Kingdom to the world in the twenty first century.

Events aimed towards proper education and information should be taken up. Aro Kingdom can be re-packaged and presented to the world as a tourist destination and it becomes one. The world needs information in order to be aware. Emphasis, therefore should be on positive issues that would encourage sustainable development.

We should be conscious of the new challenges which face us as a people: poverty, disease, illiteracy, hunger and under development. We must equally work hard to reduce or even eliminate them. Consequently, we must wake up to the clarion call to duty. We must re-awaken the impetus which gave rise to the establishment of a thousand and one settlements and trading out-posts allover the Igbo nation and beyond. That enterprising spirit of our forebears must be rekindled in us as it holds our only hope to remain relevant in the years to come.

We often enthuse that Aro was great, yet Aro could be greater in our time if we stop sleeping on our oars, eschew bitterness, vain glory and complacency and work hard as those before us did in order to uplift our great kingdom. By so doing our collective survival, health, and happiness would be forever sure.

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Perspectives on Aro History & Civilization

(The Splendour Of A Great Past)

Vol. 2

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Preface

Good wine matures with age; just as man and his experience. Aro Okeigbo is so many things rolled into one: life, history, people, culture, language, institution, dance, folklore, mannerisms and for want of words to describe the subtleties and the flavor of the place, should we just say Aro is a whole lot more.

This second volume of Aro News Book Series is matured and ripe with experience. It is in four huge parts of un-put-downable materials consciously selected and assembled for the reader from the past issues of Aro News. The issues raised are current and authoritative on Aro. Also the essays are highly incisive, provocative, discerning, intellectual and done in styles as elevated as Camus and as simple as the common folk.

This, unlike its forerunner is not just for celebration of our history, civilization and heritage. For we believe that whereas it’s proper to celebrate the past, place it in its proper perspective, there’s a caveat; we mustn’t celebrate it to a point of distraction, complacency, dissipation and losing sight of the crucial issues and challenges of the present.

It’s no cheering news that there’s been near zero growth rate in Aro since 1970. Human development indices; infrastructure, rising GDP, food sufficiency, life expectancy, primary healthcare, income generation, job creation, education, portable water supply, power supply, poverty reduction and so on are not very cheering either. People still die needlessly in Aro due to hunger, poverty related causes or gross lack of primary healthcare.

These are the issues we have devoted our attention to and equally given prominence. Aro, going by its space and speed in the years leading to 1900 ought to have journeyed far by now; becoming an important metropolis of sorts. That Aro in 2003 is a shadow of its old self goes without saying. That it remains prostrate, in abject poverty, without charm or grace as a direct consequent of years of criminal neglect and systematic retrogression should be a source of concern and challenge to all Aro.

Therefore, some of the issues raised in this edition are provocative - because the reader’s consciousness is targeted for arousal to positive action for the town we all love, have a stake in and eager to celebrate. It’s utterly confounding how Aro failed to harness its enormous potential goodwill and resources in the network of towns and settlements of Aro descent in the Diaspora and overseas translating them to developmental solutions. That singular failure is indeed tragic and carries with it the burden akin to a monumental loss and bereavement.

The challenge of getting indigenes of Aro genuinely interested in developing their hometown without counting the cost or waiting for passive and distant governments or institutions is the governing intention of this book - no other is as pungent and timely as this particular one.

Epilogue

It’s certainly a bumper harvest, from the beautiful sunrise of Part One, through the bristling high noon of Parts Two, Three, Four and now this soothing sunset. The chicken has indeed come to roost. Every generation defines itself through its passion, vision, drive and accomplishments. That is why we cannot and dare not subsume our energies, talents and vision in vain celebrations and dissipatory running of mere commentaries on our past while losing sight of the challenges of the present or realizing that we ourselves now occupy the driver’s seat so as to steer the vehicle of our common heritage to a new level. The implication is that by our action or inaction now, we have also begun the process of making history which the generations that will succeed ours will run commentaries on. That is why this edition (Vol. 2) of Aro Book Series throws a challenge to all living Aro whether at home, in Diaspora or abroad, old or young to wake up to the current clarion call to duty.

We must admit that we have mostly been guilty of neglecting Aro, guilty of not sacrificing enough for Aro’s rise to its well-deserved position. The road we have followed for decades has not led us anywhere near our goal and targets. It then behoves on us to change direction and possibly our mode of transportation. Sad enough, Nzuko Aro, village meetings, social clubs, politicians particularly and so on, have overtime failed to inspire, cohere or lead in the quest for sustainable development. Many of them have become extremely self-serving. The time has come for us to re-assess our real needs, methods and tools. Aro’s evolution into a modern society should not suffer further regression and attrition due to deep rooted passivity, complacency, lethargy and lack of will on your part. The building of a befitting palace for the Eze Aro throne, the completion of the civic centre, the establishment of Aro museum, the opening of small and medium scale industries, job creation, provision of needed infrastructure, and construction of roads are all challenges facing us. It is only through self-help efforts that most of these challenges can be surmounted for the benefit of all. Aro in America, Europe, in the Diaspora, and within must stand up; resolve today to help Aro reconnect with its obstructed march to its destiny and greatness. Where we fail, too bad, the commentary that may be run by the generation that succeeds this one may not be palatable. According to the bard, Chinua Achebe, it’s yet morning on creation day - Osita di nma, O di wara gboo.

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Perspectives on Aro History & Civilization

(The Splendour Of A Great Past)

Vol. 3

FORWARD

This is the third volume in our book series. The first and second were published in 2001 and 2004, respectively. On purpose, each of the volumes marked specific events in our history in particular, and in Aro, in general. Whereas Volume 1 was timed to coincide with the 1st centenary commemoration of the Anglo-Aro war of 1901; Volume 2 was packaged to celebrate the third edition of the All-Aro National Conference which held at Ajalli. The present volume is no less significant as it marks the tenth year of the inception of Aro News publication. A historic event associated with it is the formal hand-over of the publishing project and firm (Aro News Publications Ltd) to Nzuko Arochukwu, while the pioneer editors dedicate themselves to developing and nurturing Aro News International . This third volume therefore, marks the end of the phase of hard copy publishing by the pioneer editors. Henceforth, we shall be available and read online but our columns in the paper edition will remain. All is well that ends well. It was ten years of unbroken appearance on the newsstand. AroNews, lest we forget, came as a child of circumstance. It hit the newsstand on the heels of a kingship tussle that polarized the kingdom. Then dissension, mistrust and acrimony were propelled to the fore as norm. Aro News came as a soothing balm on the frayed nerves of our common heritage and community. It provided the veritable platform for dialogue and through that set agenda for meaningful development. Aro News sparked off the reawakening of interest and learning in Aro history and civilization to near renaissance level. It encouraged networking Aro Diaspora by

reporting news and development from such places. Indeed, for once, there was a dialectical framework and premise for the articulation of our common problem and its solution. Ithank God for the rare opportunity of being found worthy to serve the community notwithstanding the high risk nature and uncertainties that characterize publishing endeavor in our environment. All through the period, commitment to higher ideal of service to fatherland was our sustaining value. Although past volumes adequately captured the philosophical basis that dictated our pioneering role, it’s worth highlighting that the current volume, which marks the transfer of ownership to Nzuko Arochukwu, completely satisfies our yeaning at inception to create an organization that would outlive its founders. A publishing firm which we founded, nurtured and built up in the last ten years has now assumed a life of its own, including an online version. We give God the glory. Disengaging from the current service apart from being propitious in view of timing of one decade is equally imperative given the need to train new hands and to pursue higher endeavors. A major plank of our next phase of community development initiatives entail placing Aro at the centre stage of world communication network, empowering Nzuko Aro to deliver more dividends to the kingdom and reporting Aro Diaspora to people at home via network. The process started with my appointment as President and Mazi Ben Ezumah, Executive Editor, Aro News Online, by the board of Aronewsonline & Co. Our current roles notwithstanding, we are committed to ensuring that Aro News continues to make great impact in the development of Arochukwu. So in addition to playing advisory roles, including keeping regular columns; we shall place our priceless goodwill at the service of the present management. Coupled with the website we believe the community will surely be taken to higher heights. Again, I remain grateful to our team which is drawn from diverse backgrounds; Aro and friends who are generally interested in literary works irrespective of their callings in life. Larger interests of service to humanity remain the unifying bond as there was no pecuniary benefit to their efforts because the outfit was run on not-for-profit basis. Like the earlier volumes, the current one is a collector’s item. It features major articles by various writers that were published in Aro News from January 2004 - December 2006. There were some mid-quarter editions also. So, we do not claim any originality in the ideas espoused except in the articles authored by us. They were edited to desired shape to meet the house standard and reader’s expectations. Our thanks therefore, go to all those who contributed articles during the period, thus qualified to get a mention in the historic text. We deliberately credited contributors with their bylines as they would be too many to acknowledge individually. However, I must not fail to appreciate the invaluable contributions of the editorial board whose sacrifices kept us in a good stead to contend with the challenges inherent in this endeavor. You make me proud. Finally, as a historic bow-out beckons, I pray the Almighty to prosper and keep Aro in peace. To people genuinely concerned about our future roles, we are simply raising the stakes a notch higher via the net. So as we sign-off from this phase of service, we enlist your support for the current publishers of our community’s foremost quarterly, Aro News. May the wisdom of our forebears abide with you. See you online soon. Thank you and God bless.

Mazi Azubike Okoro

Founder/Pioneer Editor In-Chief

Abuja. June, 2008

Preface

For over a century Aro history was deliberately suppressed, maligned and made to look obscure. In the darkness of this ensuing conundrum many versions and interpretations of Aro history emerged. For a people vibrant and versatile as ancient Aro who contributed immensely to the growth of the economy of the sub-region through commitment in produce buying and selling and such other sundry business, it would indeed be perilous to ignore such a people and such a history. Aro is very important. Aro was once great. So great that it once stood as an imperial power in the whole of the Eastern region and beyond. That history, that civilization shouldn’t be allowed to suffer misinterpretation especially by outsiders and pseudohistorians. The authors through the book series present Aro history as it is not as perceived by outsiders or some commentators. After over a decade of non-stop coverage and reportage on Arochukwu; we now have, and it’s no mean achievement, the richest, largest and most authentic repository of materials on Aro anywhere in the World. Aro now has its own history, told by Aros. All the materials are uploaded on the internet making accessibility easy for all who desire to know the truth. The book is divided into five parts from Aro Golden Age which captures historical origins, clears gray areas and deepens our understanding of Aro history and civilization to issues bordering on development and some of the challenges peculiar to most Third World economies. This edition is a bumper harvest.

- Ben Ezumah

Abuja, June 2008

Goodwill Message

When one overviews the historical transition of Aro News from its ten years of periodic publications to its transition to , he cannot but recognize not only the national pride of its founding editors as Umu-Aro, but also the intensity of their zeal and assiduity in proselytizing a resurgence in Aro tradition and study of her history. May I therefore congratulate this twosome team of her founding editors for a concept excellently conceived and a job well done. One does not need to resort to subtle landmarks identified in their serial publications to recognize the excellence of their achievement. It is easy to attribute these landmarks to the deserved merits of our revered ancestors very much recognized in numerous excerpts from the reports of early European explorers and later the British colonial officers and merchants referred to in Aro News publications. Suffice it to say that to have effectively and efficiently sustained such a community publication for a period of ten years is a record achievement within any country, whether developed, developing or under-developed. The jewels on your crown are the three summary publications – PERSPECTIVES ON ARO HISTORY & CIVILIZATION, of which this is the third volume. My dear editors, may I conclude this my congratulatory note by recalling that among the religious, the numbers three and ten are assessed as sacred. I simply wonder if there is but only a coincidence in your creating and piloting Aro News over this ten year period which is interspersed with three crown jewel publications! I greet you and wish you well, and particularly more grease to your elbows as you merge into the world

wide virtual publication.

Prof. Chris Aniche Okorafor

Enugu, June 16, 2008

Epilogue

What’s service without duty; worship without charity? What’s love without sacrifice? As we come to the glorious summit of this arduous climb, John Milton, the 17th century poet’s On His Blindness, especially the part on selfless service leaps off their ancient pages in technicolor clarity: “God doth not need, Either man’s work or his own gifts, Who best bear his mild yolk, they Serve him best. His state Is kingly; thousands at his bidding-speed And post o’er land and ocean without rest. They also serve who only stand and wait” Service is accomplished at varying degrees. Some serve and take along all the paraphernalia of modern Journalism for wide and effective coverage. Popular as it may seem at the time, such service ceases as soon as the light of cameras shut-down. By its nature and with the advantage of our common experience such service is self serving It borders mainly on egocentricism. It always amounts to sheer gimmickry, empty posturing and nothing ness. It undermines the essence of service and whatever it purports to serve. On the other hand, some serve with God in mind and humanity in view. They serve quietly and diligently without expecting accolades, awards, honours, praises and garlands presented on rostrums amid the cheering crowd. Day and night they toil and most often, though not unexpected, they go unmentioned and unacknowledged. Come rain or shine they continue on the course of service they have chosen for themselves in the interest of humanity. They toil. They sweat. They groan under the weight of backcrushing labour that actually belongs to everybody. They give so generously without counting the cost. Viewed in any way without wry cynicism, or fear of sounding immodest, such is the quality and nature of service we have rendered to Arochukwu Kingdom consistently in the past twelve years. The current edition of Perspectives on Aro History & Civilization captures past and current efforts in this regard. Having formally handed over Aro News – wholly and gratis to Nzuko Aro; and now being run by an entirely new management/editorial team; this book might as well be the last volume, in the series, unless the new management decides otherwise. The experience in the service to Aro has been exhilarating as it has been interesting. The lessons are simply huge. Arochukwu has rich history, rich culture and immense potentials. The journey towards sustainable development, though turbulent, is a task that must be accomplished, not by some foreigners or distant governments but by Aro indigenes themselves; if Aro is to amount to anything worthwhile in the years to come. Aro citizens at home or in diaspora must work assiduously determined to serve their homeland without expecting reward or counting the cost. With the publication of this volume, Aro history is now brought together in a neat, concise and succinct form. It has been made accessible and available in newspaper form, book form and in virtual form on the internet. Information on Arochukwu is now available for whoever that searches for it in whatever form. Above all, Aro history is now better known, well packaged for easier access and understanding anywhere on this planet. Passing our history and civilization on to future generations constitutes one of the most important accomplishments which the founder/pioneer Editor-in-Chief of Aro News Group, Mazi Azubike Okoro and the Group Editor, Mazi Ben Ezumah have undertaken in all these years. Hence, this book is a legacy and lasting testament of that effort; and so far as the sunrises in the East and sets in the West; so far as men breathe and can read; they shall remember Arochukwu alongside the men who truly served and uplifted her; only then shall the intrinsic connection between our culturally rich past and our bright and prosperous future shall be made perfect.

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