Arochukwu

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Arochukwu
Aro Oke-Igbo
Local Government Area
Nigeria location map.svg
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Arochukwu
Location of Arochukwu in Nigeria
Coordinates: 5°23′N7°55′E / 5.383°N 7.917°E / 5.383; 7.917
CountryFlag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria
State Abia State
Composition5 clans
Government
 • TypeMonarchy (One of the few Igbo kingdoms in Nigeria, which practices the monarchical system of government)
 • Eze AroOgbonnaya Okoro [1]
Area
 • Total202 sq mi (524 km2)
Population
 (2022 est) [2]
 • Total246,600
 • Density1,200/sq mi (470/km2)
 • Ethnicities
 Igbo
 • Religions
 Christianity Traditional religions
3-digit postal code prefix
442
ISO 3166 code NG.AB.AR
Arochukwu

Arochukwu Local Government Area, sometimes referred to as Arochuku or Aro Oke-Igbo, is the third largest local government area in Abia State (after Aba and Umuahia) in southeastern Nigeria and homeland of the Igbo subgroup, Aro people. [3]

Contents

It is composed of five clans namely Abam, Aro, Ihechiowa, Ututu and Isu. Arochukwu is a principal historic town in Igbo land. It was also one of the cities in the Southern protectorate targeted by the British colonial government. Several historic tourist sites exist in the city. The mystic Ibini Ukpabi shrine, the slave routes and other relics of the slave trade era are frequently visited by tourists. It is also in the food belt of Abia state where most of the staple foods are produced. [3]

History

Before Igbo arrival in the Aro territory, a group of proto Ibibio migrated to the area and established the Ibom Kingdom during the Bantu expansion. This proto Ibibio group originally came from Usak Edet (Isanguele), a segment of the Ejagham in present-day Southern Cameroon. The first Igbo settlers to arrive to the area was the Eze Agwu Group led by their leader Agwu Inobia. Tensions between the Igbo settlers and the indigenous Ibibio led to the Aro-Ibibio Wars. The Efik were originally from the Ibom Kingdom and might have left before or during the Aro-Ibibio Wars. The war was initially a stalemate and the Eze Agwu group eventually invited a priest named Nnachi from the Edda clan of northeastern Igboland. Eze Agwu and Nnachi allied with prince Akakpokpo Okon of the Ibom Kingdom. Akakpokpo Okon was the son of a marriage between an Igbo women of the Eze Agwu clan and the King Obong Okon Ita in an attempt of a peace treaty. The Eze Agwu/Nnachi faction decided to help Akakpokpo attempt to overthrow his brother king Akpan Okon. Nnachi invited the Akpa people from the east of the Cross River. The Akpa forces led by Osim and Akuma Nnubi, helped the rebellious group capture the rest of the area. This formed the alliance of 19 new and old states in the area known as the Arochukwu kingdom around 1650–1700. The first king (or Eze Aro) of a unified Arochukwu was Akuma but after his death, Nnachi son's Oke Nnachi took over and his descendants have the throne to this day. [4]

By the mid-18th century, Arochukwu people founded many other communities both within and outside Igboland. [5] [6] These migrations, influence of their god Ibini Ukpabi through priests, and their military power backed up by alliances with several related neighboring Igbo and eastern Cross River militarized states (particularly Ohafia, Abam, Abiriba, Afikpo, Ekoi, etc.) quickly established the Aro Confederacy as a regional economic power. However, Aro economic hegemony was threatened by the penetration of Europeans, mainly British colonists in the wake of the 20th century. Tensions finally led to bloodshed and the Anglo-Aro War took place from 1901 to 1902. The Aro Confederacy stoutly resisted but were eventually defeated. This helped the British to occupy the rest of what is now known as Eastern Nigeria.

Demography

The kingdom is Igbo mixed with Ibibio and Akpa. The main language in Arochukwu is Igbo while Ibibio is also spoken.

The population of Arochukwu town is 10,776. [7] The local government area had a population of 193,820 in 2011, up from 97,800 in 1991. [8]

Climate

Daily highs hover around 83 °F, rarely dropping below 79 °F or rising over 87 °F. The day of July 23 had the lowest daily average high temperature at 82 °F. [9] [10] [11]

Daily lows hover around 73 °F, rarely dropping below 70 °F or rising beyond 76 °F. On August 6, the lowest daily average low temperature is 72 °F. [9] [12] [13] [14]

For comparison, the usual temperature range in Arochukwu is 68 °F to 85 °F on January 1, which is the coldest day of the year, and 72 °F to 87 °F on February 17, the warmest day of the year. [9] [15] [16]

Clouds

In Arochukwu, the amount of cloud cover is basically constant throughout the summer, with an average of 81% of the time the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy. On July 29, there is a 78% chance of cloudy or mainly cloudy weather. [9] [17] [18]

On July 29, there are 22% more clear, mostly clear, or partly overcast circumstances than any other day of the summer. [9] [19] [20]

For comparison, the likelihood of gloomy or largely cloudy weather on May 13, the cloudiest day of the year, is 87%, while the likelihood of clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy skies on December 27, the clearest day of the year, is 43%. [9] [21] [10]

Precipitation

A day that has at least 0.04 inches of liquid or liquid-equivalent precipitation is considered to be wet. The likelihood of a wet day in Arochukwu increases quickly throughout the summer, from 80% at the beginning of the season to 86% at the end. [9] [22] [12]

For comparison, on September 16 there is a 90% possibility of a wet day, while on January there is a 4% chance. [9] [23] [12]

Languages

The languages spoken in Arochukwu LGA are, [24]

Etymology

Aro translates as Children and Chukwu as God. Put together this could imply Children of God. [25]

Notable people

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Igbo people</span> Ethnic group in Southern Nigeria

The Igbo people are an ethnic group in Nigeria. They are primarily found in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. A sizable Igbo population is also found in Delta and Rivers States. Ethnic Igbo populations are found in Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea, as migrants as well as outside Africa. There has been much speculation about the origins of the Igbo people, which are largely unknown. Geographically, the Igbo homeland is divided into two unequal sections by the Niger River—an eastern and a western section. The Igbo people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abia State</span> State of Nigeria

Abia State is a state in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, it is bordered to the northwest by Anambra State and northeast by the states of Enugu, and Ebonyi, Imo State to the west, Cross River State to the east, Akwa Ibom State to the southeast, and Rivers State to the south. Abia is the only Southeastern state that has boundaries with the other four Southeastern states in Nigeria. It takes its name from the acronym for four of the state's most populated regions: Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Afikpo. The state capital is Umuahia while the largest city and commercial centre is Aba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Umuahia</span> Capital city of Abia State, Nigeria

Umuahia is the capital city of Abia State in southeastern Nigeria. Umuahia is located along the rail road that lies between Port Harcourt to its south,and Enugu city to its north. Umuahia has a population of 359,230 according to the 2006 Nigerian census. Umuahia is indigenously Igbo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Igboland</span> Cultural region in Nigeria

Igboland, also known as Southeastern Nigeria, is the indigenous homeland of the Igbo people. It is a cultural and common linguistic region in southern Nigeria. Geographically, it is divided into two sections by the lower Niger River: an eastern and a western one. Its population is characterised by the diverse Igbo culture and the speakers of equally diverse Igbo languages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aro Confederacy</span> Former country in present southeastern Nigeria

The Aro Confederacy (1690–1902) was a political union orchestrated by the Aro people, an Igbo subgroup, centered in Arochukwu in present-day southeastern Nigeria. The Aro Confederacy kingdom was founded after the beginning of the Aro-Ibibio Wars. Their influence and presence was all over Eastern Nigeria, lower Middle Belt, and parts of present-day Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Arochukwu Kingdom was an economic, political, and an oracular center as it was home of the Ibini Ukpabi oracle, High Priests, the Aro King Eze Aro, and central council (Okpankpo). The Aro Confederacy was a powerful and influential political and economic alliance of various Igbo-speaking communities in southeastern Nigeria. It emerged during the 17th century and played a significant role in the region until the late 19th century.

The Ibom Isi also known as the Akpa are one of the three main lineages comprising the Aro people. They are centered in Ibom, Arochukwu in Nigeria. The Akpa are descendants of the Ejagham in present day Cross River State in Southeastern Nigeria.

The Aro-Ibibio Wars were a series of conflicts between the Aro people and a Ibibio in present-day Southeastern Nigeria at Ibom Kingdom from 1630 to 1902. These wars led to the foundation of the Arochukwu kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aro people</span> Ethnic subgroup in Nigeria

The Aro people or Aros are an Igbo subgroup that originated from the Arochukwu kingdom in present-day Abia state, Nigeria. The Aros can also be found in about 250 other settlements mostly in the Southeastern Nigeria and adjacent areas. The Aros today are classified as Eastern or Cross River Igbos because of their location, mixed origins, culture, and dialect. Their god, Chukwu Abiama, was a key factor in establishing the Aro Confederacy as a regional power in the Niger Delta and Southeastern Nigeria during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Nnachi is one of the founding fathers of the city of Arochukwu, one of the largest cities in Abia State in southeastern Nigeria. During the conclusion of the 17th century, he was a Dibia (priest-doctor) from the Edda people near Afikpo. The Eze Agwu clan led by his relative King Agwu Inobia in the Aro region called on Nnachi for help during the Aro-Ibibio Wars. Unable to break the stalemate in the favor of Eze Agwu, Nnachi called some allies from the east of the Cross River known as the Akpa people. Akuma and Osim Nnubi led the Akpa people into the Aro region and collaborated with Igbo forces to defeat the Obong Okon Ita kingdom. Though Osim died, Akuma survived and became the first EzeAro. After his death, Nnachi's descendants took over the throne starting with his son, Oke Nnachi. They are currently the ruling clan of the Aro people.

Osim and Akuma Nnubi were brothers and merchant princes of the Akpa people from the east of the Cross River in the late 17th century. The Akpa people were trading allies with the Eze Agwu and Nnachi clans of the Igbo. When Nnachi called them to assist the Igbos in the Aro-Ibibio Wars, they answered. Leading their people, they allied with the Igbo groups to defeat the Ibibio. Osim died and his brother Akuma became the new Arochukwu kingdom's first EzeAro or king.

Oke Nnachi was the son of Nnachi and possibly introduced the idea of bringing Akpa troops to help the Eze Agwu, Nnachi clan, and Obong Okon Ita rebels during the Aro-Ibibio Wars. After the short dynasty of Osim and Akuma Nnubi of Akuma, Oke Nnachi became king of Arochukwu. His descendants still retain the throne.

Aro History starts from Ibibio migration to the present Arochukwu area.

Bende is a Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria with headquarters located in Bende Community. Bende Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Abia state lies on 70 30I of the Greenwich Meridian and latitude 50 30I North of the Equator. It is composed of thirteen (13) communities, namely: Alayi, Bende, Ezukwu, Igbere, Item, Itumbuzo, Nkpa, Ntalakwu, Ozuitem, Ugwueke, Umu-imenyi, Umuhu-Ezechi, and Uzuakoli.

Agwu Inobia or Eze Agwu was one of the founding fathers of the city of Arochukwu, the third largest city in Abia State in southeastern Nigeria. He was a blacksmith and leader of his clan. Eze Agwu is said to be the descendant of Nna Uru. Nna Uru was related to the founders of neighboring communities Abiriba and Edda people. Edda and Abiriba traditions state that their ancestors founded Arochukwu.

Obong Okon Ita was an Ibibio king of Ibom Kingdom with its seat of government in Obot Okon Ita. His kingdom was located between present day Abia and Akwa Ibom states in Southeastern Nigeria. He is the father of Akakpokpo Okon and Akpan Okon who fought for supremacy for the rulership of Ibom Kingdom

Akpan Okon was the last Obong (king) of Ibom Kingdom around 1690-1720. He was overthrown by his brother Akakpokpo Okon with the support of groups such as the Eze Agwu, Nnachi Ipia, and the Nnubi dynasty in the final phases of the Aro-Ibibio Wars. Akpan Okon's defeat was very significant and crucial to the alliance. The alliance between the Eze Agwu lineage and his ambitious brother Akakpokpo sealed his fate, defeated Obong Okon Ita, and laid the foundation of the Arochukwu kingdom.

Akakpokpo Okon was an Ibibio prince from the Ibom Kingdom around 1690-1720. He was the son of the marriage between the king Obong Okon Ita and an Igbo woman from the Eze Agwu lineage. Akakpokpo Okon lead a successful coup against his brother Akpan Okon the Obong (king) with the support of the Eze Agwu, Nnachi, and the Nnubi dynasty in the final phases of the Aro-Ibibio Wars. Despite the fact that the coup was successful, Akakpokpo Okon was killed in combat.

The Ibom or Mbot Abasi Kingdom was an Ibibio nation with its seat of government in Obot Okon Ita. The Mbot Abasi kingdom was located in present day Arochukwu, Abia State in Nigeria. Around 1630, an Igbo group from Abiriba known as the Eze Agwu arrived to Ibom. This caused a long term conflict and stalemate known as the Aro-Ibibio Wars.

Akwete town is the headquarters of Ukwa East local government area of Abia state, Nigeria. Akwete is located 18 Kilometers northeast of the oil-rich city of Port Harcourt and 18 Kilometers southeast of the commercial city of Aba. Akwete is an important community of the Ndoki and Igbo people in general, they belong to the Umuihueze II clan. Akwete is known in West Africa for its unique weaving.

Nkporo is a town in Abia State, in southeastern Nigeria, traditionally an Igbo speaking region. It is in the Ohafia Local Government Area.

References

  1. ↑ Nwogu, Mathas (August 19, 2009). "Aro Kingdom re-brands after 700 years". The Sun Publishing LTD. Retrieved 2010-02-25.[ permanent dead link ]
  2. ↑ "Abia State: Subdivision". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  3. 1 2 places (1970-01-01). "Towns & Villages in Arochukwu « Abia State « Nigeria". Towns & Villages. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  4. ↑ "Aro History". Notable Aros. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  5. ↑ Afigbo, AE. Groundwork of Igbo History. Lagos, Vista Books Limited, 1992
  6. ↑ Onwuejeogwu, MA. Igbo civilization: Nri kingdom and hegemony; London, Ethnographica, 1981
  7. ↑ "Population of Arochukwu, Nigeria". Archived from the original on 2016-08-21. Retrieved 2016-07-16.
  8. ↑ listing of city populations for Nigeria
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Arochukwu Summer Weather, Average Temperature (Nigeria) - Weather Spark". weatherspark.com. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  10. 1 2 "Simulated historical climate & weather data for Arochukwu". meteoblue. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  11. ↑ "Arochukwu, Nigeria - Weather Forecasts | Maps | News - Yahoo Weather". Yahoo News. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  12. 1 2 3 "Arochukwu weather and climate ☀️ Best time to visit 🌡️ Temperature". www.besttimetovisit.co.nz. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  13. ↑ "Maps : Temperature - Arochukwu". ng.freemeteo.com. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  14. ↑ admin (2016-02-24). "Food security concerns as cocoyam disappears in Arochukwu". EnviroNews Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  15. ↑ "Weather Forecast Arochukwu - Nigeria (Abia) : free 15 day weather forecasts". La Chaîne Météo (in French). Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  16. ↑ "Arochukwu weather forecast for today". justweather.org. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  17. ↑ "Arochukwu, Nigeria - Weather forecast & Hourly Temperature - Today". Weather Atlas. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  18. ↑ "Weather in Arochukwu today". GISMETEO.COM. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  19. ↑ "The Weather's Record Keeper". Meteostat. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  20. ↑ "climate of Arochukwu - Google Search". www.google.com. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  21. ↑ "Climate Change for Arochukwu Nigeria". meteocare.com. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  22. ↑ S.L, Tutiempo Network. "Weather in Arochukwu (Nigeria) - 15 days". www.tutiempo.net. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  23. ↑ Inc, Pelmorex Weather Networks. "Arochukwu, Nigeria - Monthly Calendar". The Weather Network. Retrieved 2023-07-26.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  24. ↑ "Nigeria - Languages". Ethnologue, 22d edition. Feb 2019.
  25. ↑ Mazi A. Kanu Oji.: Corruption in Nigeria: The fight and movement to cure the malady - University Press of America, Landham, MD. ISBN   978-0-7618-5217-9
  26. 1 2 "Worthy Sons and Daughters of the Great Arochukwu Kingdom – Past and Present — AbaCityBlog". abacityblog.com. 2021-04-04. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
  27. ↑ "Kanu's mother goes home December 3". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. 2016-11-11. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
  28. ↑ "Where Is Alexx Ekubo From? – Biography And Ethnicity Of The Nollywood Big Boy". BuzzNigeria - Famous People, Celebrity Bios, Updates and Trendy News. 2021-05-10. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
  29. ↑ Owolawi, Taiwo (2021-05-05). "IK Ogbonna, Yomi Casual fight over who will be Alexx's best man, he replies them". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
  30. ↑ Raiford, Tiffany (2021-05-06). "10 Things You Didn't Know about Alexx Ekubo". TVOvermind. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
  31. ↑ "The Fifth Columnist and Senator Mao Ohuabunwa". THISDAYLIVE. 2020-11-07. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
  32. ↑ "Abstract". waset.org. waset.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  33. ↑ Nto, Philip. "Finance commissioners kick against fuel subsidy". Archived from the original on 2014-07-21.
  34. ↑ "Inyama, Rosemary (1903—)". www.encyclopedia.com. Encyclopedia.com.

5°23′N7°55′E / 5.383°N 7.917°E / 5.383; 7.917

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