- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
His Royal Majesty, Eze Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei, emerged at the center of one of the most historic and controversial leadership battles in Arochukwu Kingdom’s history. Crowned amidst intense rivalry, legal challenges, and community division, his journey reflects both the resilience of tradition and the challenges of modern monarchy in southeastern Nigeria.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei was born on February 9, 1966, in Arochukwu, Abia State, Nigeria. He hails from the distinguished Kanu Okoro Oke Nnachi royal lineage, historically significant among the Aro people.
His father, Mazi Prince Sampson Kanu Idei, and grandfather, Mazi Idei Kanu, were notable figures within the kingdom, respected for their leadership and custodianship of Aro traditions.
Eze Idei’s early education began at Ziks Avenue Primary School, Uwani, Enugu. He proceeded to Aggrey Memorial Secondary School in Arochukwu and completed his secondary education at Methodist College, Uzuakoli, Abia State.
He later attended the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Estate Management in 1992 (Arochukwu Blog).
Ascension to the Throne
Following the death of Eze Vincent Ogbonnaya Okoro (Eze Aro VIII) in early 2021, the throne of Arochukwu became vacant. Succession to the ancient Eze Aro stool is traditionally decided by the Okennachi Kindred.
On October 20, 2023, after conducting rites led by HRH Eze Dr. Kanu Nwa Kanu (Eze Ibom Isii), Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei was crowned as the 9th Eze Aro. The ceremony included the firing of a seven-gun salute, ancestral invocations, and traditional visits to sacred sites across Arochukwu (Arochukwu Blog).
However, his coronation faced immediate opposition. Another candidate, Pastor Dr. Eberechukwu Kanu Oji, claimed he had been selected through an official screening process involving seven recognized kingmakers from Okennachi (Punch).
The emergence of two claimants—Mazi Idei and Dr. Oji—plunged Arochukwu into a deep leadership crisis.
Legal Battles and Community Division
In January 2024, Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei was arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Umuahia, facing charges of:
- Felony impersonation;
- Attempted unlawful assumption of traditional office;
- Conduct likely to breach public peace (Daily Post Nigeria).
Although he pleaded not guilty, the matter was adjourned sine die (indefinitely), causing further uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Governor Alex Otti formally recognized Dr. Eberechukwu Oji as the legitimate Eze Aro, presenting him with a Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office on January 13, 2024 (Punch).
Nonetheless, on July 22, 2024, the Abia State High Court issued an order restraining Dr. Oji from parading as Eze Aro IX, pending the final outcome of the substantive lawsuit filed by Mazi Idei’s camp (Vanguard Nigeria).
Despite these conflicting legal positions, the Abia State government maintained support for Dr. Oji, citing adherence to traditional succession laws. This duality deepened divisions within the Aro communities:
- Ibom Isii largely aligned with Mazi Idei;
- Other villages like Amuvi, Ugwuakuma, and Agbagwu backed Dr. Oji;
- Prominent organizations such as the Aro National Congress (ANC) remained divided (ThisDayLive).
Personal Life and Vision
Beyond his royal role, Eze Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei is known for his passion for basketball and lawn tennis. He is the father of two sons and is often described as a private yet highly charismatic figure.
He has publicly articulated a vision for Arochukwu rooted in:
- Truth and transparency in traditional governance;
- Equity and justice among all Aro communities;
- Strategic collaboration with public agencies and private investors to modernize the kingdom’s infrastructure and education (Arochukwu Blog).
Despite the ongoing dispute, Mazi Idei continues to carry out ceremonial duties among his supporters and remains an influential voice in Arochukwu’s affairs.
References (Chicago Style)
- “Brief Profile of His Royal Majesty, Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei, Eze Arochukwu Kingdom.” Arochukwu Blog, October 24, 2023. https://arochukwublog.com/brief-profile-of-his-royal-majesty-mazi-godwin-kanu-idei-eze-arochukwu-kingdom/
- “Eze Aro: Kanu Idei’s Arraignment for Alleged Impersonation Adjourned Indefinitely.” Daily Post Nigeria, February 3, 2024. https://dailypost.ng/2024/02/03/eze-aro-kanu-ideis-arraignment-for-alleged-impersonation-adjourned-indefinitely/
- “Culture, Tradition Meet at Coronation of Arochukwu’s 9th King.” Punch, October 2023. https://punchng.com/culture-tradition-meet-at-coronation-of-arochukwus-9th-king/
- “Abia Court Restrains Eberechukwu Oji from Parading as Eze Aro.” Vanguard Nigeria, August 2024. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/08/abia-court-restrains-eberechukwu-oji-from-parading-as-eze-aro/
- “Disquiet in Arochukwu Kingdom as Abia Moves to Appeal Court Order Voiding Monarch’s Coronation.” ThisDayLive, August 12, 2024. https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/08/12/disquiet-in-arochukwu-kingdom-as-abia-moves-to-appeal-court-order-voiding-monarchs-coronation/
- “Controversies Trail Eze Arochukwu Stool, PDP Alleges Otti Is Partisan.” Punch, January 18, 2024. https://punchng.com/controversies-trail-eze-arochukwu-stool-pdp-alleges-otti-is-partisan/
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