By the time the Trans-Atlantic slave trade picked up momentum, the Arochukwu city state which was a highly organized, prosperous oligarchy, backed by highly organized hierarchy of priests, chief and agents to the all powerful Chukwu (God) Ibini-Ukpabi, for the Aros and “Long Juju” to the British, had been put in place. It is true no one can speak of a pure race, the Aros certainly inter-married and borrowed from their neighbours the Ibibios, the Igbos, the Efiks, the Ekois, and others. But by the time the slave trade was in full swing, the Aros had consolidated their position and stood shoulder high above their neighbours.

With the power and prestige of the Ibini-Ukpabi behind them, the Aros fanned out from their homeland by a system of outposts and roads from the Atlantic Ocean to the banks of the River Benue and from the Cross River/Cameroon Mountains to the River Niger. Such was the area of operation. It is true that far away from the seat of power the control and influence was less effective. But by treaties, peace accord, threats, propaganda bribery with gun, gun powder, tobacco, local rulers or chiefs were induced of coerced to accept Aro control and presence in their territory.