During the Aro-Ibibio wars in present day Arochukwu in the 17th-18th century, an Igbo leader named Okennachi (the first Igbo EzeAro), invited his allies the princes Osim and Akuma Nnubi from the east of the Cross River to assist him in overrunning the Ibibios and granting them lands. The Nnubis, led their people known as the Akpa to present-day Arochukwu. They led the Akpa forces to ally with Igbo forces and defeat the Ibibios. Though Osim Nnubi died, the Aros defeated the Ibibios and captured the area and Akuma became the first EzeAro or king. Akpa people are mainly in Ibom and other towns belonging to the Ibom isi kindred but their traces can be found all over Arochukwu. They have highly influenced the Cross River Igbo culture.