Arondizuogu

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Arondizuogu is a town inhabited by Aro people in the Imo State in Nigeria.

[edit] History

Arondizuogu was founded by Mazi Izuogu Mgbokpo and Chief Iheme in the mid-18th century. Izuogu Mgbokpo was a slave merchant who came from Arochukwu. Iheme, himself, was his Chief Servant and he came from Isi-Akpu Nise, in Awka. Iheme settled at Arondizuogu and his master Izuogu joined him, and both are regarded as its founders. With time, Izuogu and his people united with Iheme and his people to form the great Aro kingdom of Arondizuogu which eventually became the largest state in the Aro Confederacy.

Early in the 19th century, Mazi Okoli Idozuka was an immigrant from Isi-Akpu Nise to Arondizuogu. As a great warrior, he expanded Arondizuogu's boundaries and was known as the chief of staff. He later changed his name to Okoro Idozuka, an Aro equivalent of his former name. He was a wealthy slave trader like Izuogu Mgbokpo and was also a great leader. Nwankwo Okoro was the first son of Okoro Idozuka. At the age of 21 he joined his father in the slave trade. He killed anybody who came across his way. He once said "I must visit any town that crosses my way and nothing will prevent me from attacking them with my great troops".^{[citation needed]} By collecting slaves and war-captives he was able to build a very large family. When the British came, they made him a Warrant Chief. Until this day, Arondizuogu is the biggest former Aro colony and a land of immigrants. Little seems to be known about the role that the women of Arondizuogu played in society. Arondizuogu, as seen today, is made up of little clans but under the traditional ruler-King IKENOLUEZE, and the most influential family in this village is the OBIOHAS, their sons and daughters are the most learned, richest and contribute majorly to the development of Arondizuogu town.^{[verification needed]}