Taming the Lion of Aro – a Tale of Sabre-Toothed Zikites anda Peek into the Arosim Policy

By Adebowale Akinjide

An ancient Yoruba adage says; “words are like eggs, when it falls and breaks on the ground, they cannot be packed up again”. During the UCJ UI 33^rd induction ceremony, a well-renowned investigative journalist, who was himself a UIte as an undergraduate, Fisayo Soyombo, asked the question of whether Aroism in Zik Hall had been stopped. One could see the loath that was livid on his face as he asked the question. His facial posture was laced with contempt as his audience echoed: NOOOO! It could be deduced that his conception of Aroism is that of sexual harassment or verbal assault- Or, is it not?

Perhaps perspective can be drawn from a 2021 Zik Hall publication on aroism – the Aroism Policy. According to the document, Aroism can be simply described as the -ism connected to aro. It is the practice system for aro consisting of the beliefs, thoughts and norms associated with it. For better comprehension, the definition for aro as captured in the policy states; the popular name given to the practice of general jesting and satirical/humorous social commentary as practised across the Halls of Residence in the University of Ibadan. Aro is basically used as a tool for lightening the atmospheric mood for those who engage in it and those who (in certain circumstances) it may be directed at.

So, first, the policy establishes that aro is not exclusive to Zik hall alone. Afterall, Indy hall is a known practitioner as well. Also, while it is not often associated with them, halls of residence in the school area – Kuti, Tedder, Melanby, Bello – are known to engage in some form of aro once in a while. In fact, some may even point instances when even members of female halls, the supposed victims of aro, also do it. Nonetheless, the Baluba Kingdom conventionally champions the practice.

As you stare at this piece right now, you are either an Aroer (someone who does Aro) or an Aroee (a victim of Aro), or neither. Whichever of these you are, stay glued.

Aroism: Verbal assault?

Culling from the Aroism policy, aroism, against many misconceptions, is not Zikism. Aroism is not only done in Zik Hall. In the broader context of Nigerian tertiary institutions, aroism is a popular practice of the Obafemi Awolowo Hall of residence in OAU. So, aroism is just an aspect of Zikism. To stress the point, Zikism has a lot to do with chivalry. That is why you will find Zikites washing tanks in female halls or providing immense support in crisis occasions around the campus.

From the early cries of “ebi npa mi o!” (I am hungry) in the morning, to the “e mu’na lo o” (a sarcastic way of complaining about a power outage) in the evening, and the random guy that runs around screaming “iwe nle mi” (my books are purusing me) at 1 am, or  two Zikites picking on themselves sarcastically, to the calls, jests and passing of unprintable comments, on female folks, Zikites majorly see aro as a way of creating a fun atmosphere and an escapade from the strenuous activities of academics. But, should it be to the detriment of the Aroee?

Custodians and protectors of societal norms

The Aroism policy also states that “Aro may involve the objective criticism of the passerby in terms of extremely immoral dressing. In this sense, aro is protective of societal value as an avenue to call out individuals contravening societal norms in an informal or jocund setting”

The obvious question this raises is, who made Zikites the custodian and protector of societal norms? This is one of the instances where the controversy in Aroism gets heated. Moreover, the argument of keeping societal norsm seems to fall flat wen the extremisms of aroism become evident. This happens when Aroer-Zikites explicitly pass insults, sexist comments, and misogynistic calls at innocent passersby. Words are like permanent markers, they are easy to write or say, but hard to erase. A simple “you look good, sister” can lit up an Awoite’s entire day, the same way the shout of “ashawooo” can throw an Idiate into depression.

The Aroism policy explicitly refutes any form of bad Aroism and rather uplifts Aroism in its good use. However, the use of aro as a mercenary protector of morals is debatable. How then can the thin line between sexual harassment and moral preservation be drawn?

Regulating Aro: A Dilemma

ZHPO interviewed the Social Minister of Zik Hall, Azeez Malik, on the keeping the practice of aro in check against extremities, he said, “the line has been drawn already. Criticizing extremely immoral dressing is not compulsorily insulting or using offensive words on the passerby; there are more intelligent ways to go about this so-called criticism without getting on the subject’s nerves. It might even be in form of irony, like, aunty, I like your gown, it’s revealing You don’t have to be outright. That’s why aro runs deeply with a sense of humor”

On this note, then, will the executives saddle themselves with the responsibility of teaching Zikites GES 101: the art of employing figures of speech in Aroism? To this, the Social Minister replied, “it’s a matter of time before aro returns to its normal shape. We have been working on it, the Aroism policy soft copy has been distributed. Constant discussions about it have been held. We’ve indulged ourselves to spearhead most aro practice so Zikites can learn from us”

On the issue of how to best regulate the practice of Aroism in the hall, the Information and Propaganda Minister, Adeniji Uthman (Yamburger) was interviewed on what is being done to inform Zikites against this hurtful act, “the only way I think is better is to keep informing people and in informing them, you state the misconception and the clarification. The Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall publicity team is working on how to solve this problem”, he said.

The Attorney General of the Hall, Emmanuel Otumala, expounds on the punishment that will be meted out on defaulters of the Aroism policy. According to him, “a reported violation of the Aroism policy would result in the accused Zikite being called in and interrogated. After which the ethics and litigation committee will investigate the issue. Punishment could range from a strong reprimand to the prosecution of the accused person by the Attorney general before the Judicial Council of the Hall where a dispute between the parties cannot be resolved amicably”