Follow Us on Google
The Onye Ndu Ndigbo in Eti-Osa, Lagos State, Eze Gerald Onuchukwu (popularly known as Gerico), has clarified the controversy surrounding the recent change in the nomenclature of titles used by Igbo traditional rulers in the South-West.
Speaking on the development, Onyendu Onuchukwu explained that contrary to reports circulating in some online publications, no group of 30 Igbo traditional rulers renounced their positions or accepted a downgrade chieftaincy status.
He said the issue had been widely misconstrued, stressing that the adoption of the title “Onyendu Ndigbo” in place of “Ezendigbo” is merely a change in nomenclature agreed upon in the overall interest of Igbo traditional rulers in the diaspora.
Other News
According to him, the decision followed consultations with the Chairman of South-East Traditional Rulers, C. E. Okeke, representatives of the 5 south East governors and over 100 ndieze in the Diaspora during which it was resolved that Igbo leaders in the South-West should adopt the Onyendu title. The move, he noted, aligns with the wishes of traditional authorities in the South-East as well as the position of the Lagos State Government.
Onyendu Eze Onuchukwu explained that the change also became necessary because the Ezendigbo title had increasingly been abused by individuals who were not duly recognised, particularly in Lagos.
He further recalled that the Association of Ndieze Ndigbo in the Diaspora is a duly registered body whose constitution was drafted by the late constitutional scholar Ben Nwabueze. The same constitutional framework, he said, paved the way for the emergence of the first Ezendigbo in Lagos, Hyacinth Ohazulike, who later established the Association of Ndieze Ndigbo in the Diaspora.
Addressing reports that some traditional rulers were considering legal action over the change, Onuchukwu pointed to a similar precedent in Edo State, where the Oba of Benin rejected the recognition of an Ezendigbo in the state. The matter was taken to court, but the challenge was unsuccessful, Another cqse refrence was also that pf Ibadan betwen Eze Alozie and a contender of Onyendu. The case dragged up to Supreme Court where Eze Alozie lost. These has since become a reference point in similar disputes.
He therefore urged Igbo leaders in the South-West to embrace the arrangement in the spirit of unity and respect for both traditional authorities in the South-East and the laws of their host communities in South-West.
Onuchukwu emphasised that the adjustment in title is intended to strengthen harmony, preserve the integrity of Igbo traditional institutions in the diaspora, and foster better relations with host governments and communities.
