The aruah is carried in bulk by the village head daily to his ancestral home, commonly called obu (palace) in the mornings.
The aruah in recent years has been disputed by some Christians who claim it is a form of idolatry and instead give their colleagues a crucifix on attaining such age.
According to Atugwu Kenechukwu from Nru Nsukka, every onyishi in Nsukka has a style of dress which normally includes a red cap with a red feather (called awu) from a special bird fixed on it, a short stick from a known tree called oho, and a hand bag.
The oho also stands as a symbol of office and justice, and it is held by all onyishi and the oha whenever the person speaks on matters concerning the people.
It is a common belief in Nsukka that if one speaks lies with the oho in his hand, the person will be struck dead by the ancestors.
This practice is limited to incoming male onyishi; a woman does not necessarily need the ritual process.
He brings kola nuts and a cock, which he must slaughter, declaring that if he had a hand in killing the onyishi whose place he is taking over, he should die within a month.