Follow Us on Google
In a significant move aimed at reorganising Igbo leadership in the diaspora and aligning with the directive of Southeast traditional rulers on the adoption of the title “Onyendu”, members of Ndindu Ndigbo in Lagos State on Friday, March 27, 2026, conducted an election to choose the principal officers of the body.
At the end of the exercise, Ezeani Ugwudike of Ichida, John-Greg Okey Ezebuadi (Ogboroagha), emerged as the Chairman of the Council of Ndindu Ndigbo, Lagos State.
The development marks a major turning point after nearly 18 years of prolonged disagreement between the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers and Igbo traditional leaders in the diaspora over the use of the title “Eze Ndigbo.”
Several interventions by the National Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, as well as efforts by governors from the Southeast, had in the past failed to resolve the lingering impasse.
However, a breakthrough was recently achieved through sustained dialogue and negotiations spearheaded by Ezeani Ugwudike John-Greg Okey Ezebuadi, who serves as the President of the South-West/South-South Zonal Chapter of Eze Ndigbo Nauzoije.
The negotiations were held with the leadership of the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers, under the chairmanship of His Royal Majesty, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, CFR (Ezeimo), Ezeudo II of Amaifeke, alongside the National Leader, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka A.U. Achebe, CFR (Agbogidi), Obi of Onitsha, as well as other eminent traditional rulers, including His Royal Majesty Igwe Dr. Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu (OON, CFR) and over 100 revered monarchs drawn from the five Southeast states.
The final resolution was reached during a crucial meeting held at the House of Chiefs, Enugu State Government House, where it was unanimously agreed that the six states under the South-West Zonal Chapter, led by Ezebuadi, would henceforth adopt the title “Onyendu Ndigbo” in place of “Eze Ndigbo,” in compliance with the directive of the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers.
Other News
Following that resolution, the first general meeting and election of officers of the newly reconstituted council, Ndindu Ndigbo, was held in Lagos on Friday, March 27, 2026.
At the end of the election, Onyendu Ndigbo of Iba LCDA, John-Greg Okey Ezebuadi, was elected Chairman of the apex body of Igbo traditional leaders in the diaspora, Lagos State Chapter, now operating with the backing of the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers, Southeast Governors, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Other elected officials include:
Onyendu Nicholas Njoku – Vice Chairman
Onyendu Remy Anyamele – Secretary
Onyendu Augustine Sunday Ojukwu – Treasurer
In his acceptance speech, Ezebuadi, the Ezeani Ugwudike of Ichida, pledged to promote unity and deepen collaboration between the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers and Igbo leaders in the diaspora.
He stressed his commitment to ensuring that the aspirations of all stakeholders are realised through mutual respect, cooperation, and progressive leadership.
The election was conducted by High Chief Aloy Obi, the President General of Ndindu Ndigbo Nauzoije.
According to sources at the event, the election results will be forwarded to the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers for formal inauguration through the Igbo Diaspora Leaders Regularisation Committee, chaired by Chief Charles Odunukwe, OON (Ijere), Okemmiri of Orukwu, a committee established by the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers.
