Following the abolishment of the title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igbo land by the Southeast Council of Traditional rulers as well as several court pronouncements outlawing the title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igbo land and even conviction and sentencing of one Fred Nwajagu who was going by the Title of Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate in Lagos by a high court, the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers has appointed the National Chairman of Council of Ndindu Ndigbo n’uzo Ije (Council of Igbo leaders in Diaspora),High Chief Aloy Obi as the Onye Isi Ndindu Ndigbo in Diaspora(Chairman Igbo-leaders in Diaspora).
High Chief Aloy Obi is also the Onye Ndu Ndigbo in Ibadan land in particular and Oyo State in general.
In a letter titled: RESOLUTION OF SOUTH EAST COUNCIL OF TRADITIONAL RULERS (SECTR) ON THE AGREED/APPROVED NAME/TITLE FOR IGBO LEADERS IN DIASPORA and signed by the Chairman of Southeast council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) E.C Okeke, CFR (Eze Imo), His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nneameka Achebe (Leader), alongside chairmen of Traditional councils in Enugu, Anambra, Abia and Ebonyi, the traditional rulers expressed their gratitude for the role that High Chief Aloy Obi and his group, Ndi Ndu Ndigbo N’uzo ije are playing in unifying Igbos in Diaspora as well as for their selfless services to humanity.
According to them, the southeast council of traditional rulers are particularly happy with the commitment of Ndi Ndu Ndigbo n’uzo ije to ensure peaceful co-existence of Ndigbo with their host communities in their states and countries of residence.
They said that the interest and commitment of Ndindu Ndigbo n’uzo ije to the promotion of Igbo culture and Tradition are highly commendable and appreciated as they speak volume of their love for Ndigbo, Igbo cultural heritage and tradition.
According to them, it is important to know that the celebration of the cultural festivals of Ndigbo where one reside should be with the consent and approval of the Leadership of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers or of a particular State Council of Traditional Rulers as the case may be.
They said that invitation to attend such festivals may be extended to any or some Igbo recognized Traditional Rulers in order to add colour and glamour to the occasion.
“It has become very expedient for the South East Council of Traditional Rulers to use this medium to make the necessary clarifications to you and other Igbo Leaders in Diaspora on the use of the Title “Eze” in Igbo-land as follows:
“Eze” is a revered Traditional Title Reserved by Culture, Tradition and Legislation for Traditional Rulers Recognized by Government in the Southeast States.
“Eze” is also a title used by a Traditional Ruler enthroned and coronated by his Community/Kingdom in accordance with their laid down customs, culture, and Traditions inherited from their Fore-Bearers, Progenitors and Ancestors.
You may wish to know that issues associated with the selection and enthronement of a Traditional Ruler are deep rooted in certain Rituals, Divinations, and Sacred ceremonies that are clearly defined and established by the Cultures of various ethnic Nationalities Ndigbo inclusive.
“Eze” as the king is referred to in Igbo-Land, should have a community, kingdom, or clan to administer. This is to say (suffice it to say) that there can not be an “Eze” without a community, kingdom, or clan to rule.
An “Eze” must have a Symbol of Authority – the Ofo which is not merely ceremonial but a spiritual tool given to him by his people to enable him perform his statutory Cultural and Traditional Roles in his Community as the Traditional Ruler.
The Title “Eze” cannot be given to or conferred on persons residing outside Igbo Communities irrespective of their personality or positions (elective or otherwise) since it is not a Political Title and neither is it a Title of Convenience but one rooted in the Culture and Traditions of a people.”The letter read in part.
The traditional rulers staid that the clarification has become very necessary at this auspicious time to enable High Chief Aloy Obi and his colleagues to know the difference between genuine Igbo Traditional Rulers from their subjects who are Igbo Leaders in Diaspora.
They added that it is also important to note that the South East Council of Traditional Rulers are not averse (against) to their subjects in Diaspora having a formidable leadership outside Igbo-land as unity is key to power, peace and progress.
“We are glad to inform you that South East Council of Traditional Rulers after several meetings, deliberations and due considerations have approved “Onyendu Ndigbo” (Igbo Leader in Diaspora) as the most appropriate name for whoever is the Head of Ndigbo in any place abroad or in Diaspora outside Nigeria. Consequently, all Igbo leaders abroad or in diaspora are to revert to this approved and agreed title with immediate effect. Similarly, all sign posts, letter heads, complimentary cards, etc, are to be designed to reflect this. We thank Almighty God and the gods of our land for granting us the grace and wisdom to settle amicably this protracted contentious issue which has lingered for decades of years, but now put to rest in a most peaceful manner (Supreme Court judgment not withstanding).It is pertinent to know that full and immediate compliance on the use of the agreed Title will open doors of reconciliation, recognition and felicitation from both the Traditional and Government Authorities of your States of Residence and those of South East respectively. Non-compliance however on a case that has been adjudicated by a competent court with jurisdiction shall be tantamount to gross insubordination, misconduct, belligerency and contempt of court which should not be associated with holders of such exalted leadership positions as it takes two to tango.
Speaking while appreciating the appointment, High Chief Aloy Obi commended the southeast council of traditional rulers for finding him worthy of such exalted position and vowed not to let them down
He called on those going by the title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igbo land to abide by the decision of the southeast council of traditional rulers.
According to him, the main reason why good things are not going to Igbo land is because of a lack of respect for traditional leaders and institutions.
He said that if Ndigbo become respectful, united, and begin to speak with one voice, there is nothing in the world they would aspire for and would not get.
“The Bible says, Honour thy father and mother so that your days will be long on earth. The Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers are our fathers, and we are their subjects. They have spoken, and we have to respect their decision. Trying to thwart or disobey it will not be in the best interest of the Igbo nation. I heard that some people want to go to court. They should know that it is an abomination for a son to drag his father to court. Most problems can be settled without going to court. Before the white men came with their conventional court, Igbos were settling their cases, and this would not be an exception. We need to move forward as a people. Enough of these divisions among Igbo people. A saying has it that united we stand but divided we fall and a people united can never be defeated. So the reason why what is happening to us is happening is because we are not united, and more importantly, a lot of us because of money are no longer respecting our traditional leaders and traditional institutions.”