History Of The Aro Confederacy

The Aro people or Aros is an igbo sub-group with Akpa and ibibio elements who originated from Arochukwu kingdom in present day Abia state,southeastern Nigeria. The Aros can also be found in about 250 other settlements mostly in the southeastern region and adjacent areas.The Aros today are mostly classified as eastern or cross-river igbos due to their location,culture and dialect.Their god ibini ukpabi,was a key factor in establishing the Aro confederacy as a regional power in southeastern Nigeria during the 18th and 19th centuries. HISTORY AND ORIGINS-The history of the Aros predates igbo migration and founding of the kingdom of Arochukwu.Before igbos started arriving to Aro region in the 17th century,ibibios arrived from the Benue and Plateau areas and founded states such as obong okon ita and ibom west of the cross-river.Igbo migrations led by the Eze Agwu clan from the north into the Aro region started in the mid 17th century which led to tensions.The Aro-ibibio wars and the migration of the Akpa from the east of the cross-river,formed the nation during the turning point of the 17th to 18th century.The igbo and akpa alliance,defeated and assimilated the original ibibio inhabitants after long years of warfare.By this time,the palm oil and slave trade was popular in the hinterland.By the mid 18th century,there was a mass migration of Aro business men to the igbo hinterland and adjacent areas.This migration,influence of their god, ibini ukpabi through priests,and their military power supported by alliances with several related neighbouring igbo and cross-river militarized states (particularly ohafia,Abiam,Abiriba,Afikpo,Ekoi etc)quickly established the Aro confederacy as a regional economic power.However,Aro hegemony was threatened by the penetration of europeans,mainly british colonists.Tensions finally led to bloodshed and the Anglo-Aro war took place from 1901-1902.The Aro conferacy stoutly resisted the british but were eventually defeated.This helped the british to occupy the rest of what is now known as Eastern Nigeria. TRADITION-The Aros have rich tradition.one factor is the ekpe society which is a sacred cult originally from east of cross-river.The highly religious and and judicial cult took part in Aro cultism.The use of the writting system nsibidi,was based on secret societies like ekpe and uli was another writting system mostly used as body art.Another factor is the ibini ukpabi shrine who was mediating god among the Aros.They influenced neighbours and allies before the british invasion.The shrine was later corrupted,commercialised and used for selling slaves during slave trade.The ekeleke masquarade activity was important in Aro settlement rather than ekpe,brought from the Aros in the western niger delta,it eventually spread to the oguta area.They also were known for wearing the popular "george"cloth.The ikperikpe warrior dance was very popular among warriors in the olden days and continues to be practiced. LARGEST SETTLEMENTS-Aro Ajatakiri-ikwuano, umuahia,Abia state. Aro Achara-Ama-asa,isiala ngwa,Abia state. Aro umunkpe-isiala ngwa,Abia state. Aro mbawsi-isiala ngwa,Abia state. Aro okporoenyi-ikwuano area,Abia state. Aro umuru-ikwuano area,Abia state. Aro ndizuogu-ideato area,imo state(the biggest of all the settlements) Aro ajalli-Anambra state. Aro nzem-Ebonyi state. Aro amokwe-udi area,Enugu state. Aro isuochi-Abia state. Aro isiokpo/igwurita-ikwerre area,Rivers state. Aro abagana-Anambra state. Aro oru-Imo state. Aro ngwa-Abia state. Aro ezeagu-Enugu state. Aro achi-Enugu state. Aro kalabari-Rivers state. Aro opobo-Rives state.