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National chairman of the Council of Ndindu Ndigbo n’uzo Ije (Igbo Leaders in Diaspora), High Chief Aloy Obi, has commended the Lagos State Government for abolishing the installation of Sarki and Eze Ndigbo in Lagos State.
This follows the decision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, announced in a statement by Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, where the state government described the trend of self-proclaimed traditional rulers as “an unhealthy development” that has caused tension, confusion and needless crises.
Reacting to the development, High Chief Obi, who is also the Onye Ndu Ndigbo in Ibadan, in particular, and Oyo State, in general, said, in a general meeting of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers held in Enugu State, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, and attended by the chairmen of the five South East states’ councils of traditional rulers as well as the leader, Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, and other delegates, they re-affirmed their decision that Igbo leaders in Diaspora shall use the title of Ndindu ndigbo (Igbo leaders), saying there would be no going back on that stand.
He said the same reason of infraction and affront on the traditional institution in Lagos was one of the many reasons why the South East Council of Traditional Rulers abolished the installation of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland, saying: “We need to preserve the dignity of our cultural heritage for present and future generations.”
He stated that the conferment of Eze Ndigbo titles on Igbo people in the diaspora “has caused disharmony between Igbos and their host communities, since we cannot have two kings in one kingdom.”
He said it is an affront on host communities for non-indigenes to be using the appellations of “His Royal Majesty” or “His Royal Highness” in a place where there is an Oba or other recognised traditional rulers.
His words: “I want to commend the governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his government for abolishing the installation of Sarki and Eze Ndigbo in Lagos State. The South East Council of Traditional Rulers has already taken a decision on that.
“On Thursday, December 11, 2025, I led a delegation of igbo leaders from the South West to Enugu to deliberate on the issue and, after all unwarranted pleas and pressure by agitators, the South East Council of Traditional Rulers re-affirmed the decision that Igbo leaders outside Igboland must use the title of Ndindu Ndigbo, and that is final.
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“So, it is clear that our traditional rulers and Lagos State government are thinking alike. Our traditional institutions must not be bastardised. Even the delegation from Lagos State, which was led by John Greg Okey Ezebuadi, came with a different name, that is Onyeisi Ndigbo, but the South East Council of Traditional Rulers rejected it and insisted that it must be Onyendu Ndigbo. But I know that very soon we would resolve all that and begin to speak with one voice.
“We need to preserve our cultural heritage for this generation and the ones yet unborn. So, we in the South West are making efforts to harmonise our positions in line with the directive of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers.”
Chief Obi urged Ndigbo in Lagos to abide by the decision of the Lagos State government by way of protecting and upholding the sanctity and integrity of the traditional institution in the state, to avoid falling foul of the law.
He said that Lagos remains open and accommodating to all Nigerians, especially Ndigbo, but traditions and titles that are not recognised by the indigenes and Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Local Government Affairs should not be instituted.
He advised members of the Igbo community in Lagos to exercise caution and respect the established traditions of their host community when engaging in cultural activities.
“Lagos is a land that thrives on business, peace and hospitality. We must not take undue advantage of that hospitality. Whoever wishes to practice culture outside their native land should ensure it aligns with what is recognized and acceptable to the host community. Anything to the contrary may only cause avoidable tension.
“Moreover, the South East Council of Traditional Rulers has given us a name to answer, which is Onye Ndu, and whoever wants to disobey them is deliberately looking for trouble.
“I also want to use this opportunity to appreciate the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, for his fatherly role. He is a very good man. I am urging him to keep on protecting his subjects in Lagos, which include Ndigbo. God will continue to grant him good health and a long life,” Chief Aloy Obi said.
