Did you know About Eze Kanu Oji, MBE, CON, CFR?

Mazi Eze Kanu Oji (c. 1900–1987) was the 7th Eze Aro of Arochukwu and Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarch, ruling from 1914 to 1987, a span of 73 years.

Known for his peaceful and impactful reign, he instituted innovations in native administration that aligned with indirect rule and was honored with significant British and Nigerian awards, including the Member of the British Empire (MBE) and the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).

His reign is remembered for his benevolent leadership, wisdom, and dedication to his people and culture, with his legacy honored through various cultural events and institutions.

He holds the record as the longest-reigning monarch in the world at the time of his death. He became the Eze Aro at the young age of 14 in 1914.

He had no formal education. He made early British recognition for his innovations in native administration, which facilitated indirect rule in Eastern Nigeria.

He was a prominent figure, recognized as a paramount and first-class chief in the then Eastern Region in 1954 and was a member of the Eastern House of Chiefs from 1960 to 1966. He was also among the first traditional rulers to receive Nigeria’s National honours in 1964.

Awards and Recognition:
* MBE: Awarded by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
* CFR: Awarded by the Nigerian government as a Commander of the Federal Republic.
* CON: Commander of the Order of the Niger.
* He was known for his exceptional care for his subjects, regularly visiting communities and providing assistance.

His reign was a period of great importance for Arochukwu culture, and his contributions are still celebrated. His reign is seen as a period of unity and progress for the Aro people.

In his honor, the Aro Nation established a traditional mentorship institution called “Inya Akpa,” reflecting his concept of “honor above rich”

Eze Kanu Oji introduced several administrative innovations that facilitated the implementation of indirect rule in Eastern Nigeria, where the British had previously struggled to establish a system of centralized authority. His key contributions involved modernizing traditional structures and creating an avenue for dialogue with the colonial government.

Around 1934, he established Okpankpo Aro the highest traditional governance council to unify and streamline administration in the Aro kingdom. The Okpankpo Aro worked alongside older traditional institutions, like the Aro Clan Council, to ensure progress and peace among the Aro people.

When the 1950 local government law threatened to reduce the influence of traditional chiefs, Eze Kanu Oji mobilized them under the Association of Eastern Nigeria Chiefs. His advocacy efforts, including supervising votes for second-class chiefs, helped pave the way for the creation of the Eastern House of Chiefs in 1956.

After the Nigerian-Biafran War, Eze Kanu Oji led a delegation to Kano and other cities to help reintegrate Igbo traders back into the national fabric. This diplomatic gesture helped restore peace and trust after a period of intense conflict.

Eze Kanu Oji

His reign is remembered for its length and peacefulness, and he remains a legendary figure among the Aro people. He was the grandfather of the current Eze Aro IX, His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Kanu Oji

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