The controversial Eze Ndigbo title for people of South East residing outside Igboland has come under hammer of the Monarchs in the five South East states.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the emergency meeting of the Executive Committee of the South East monarchs held at the Chiefs Chamber, House of Assembly Complex, Enugu, the body observed that the development is capable of creating crisis between Ndigbo in Diaspora and their host communities since it is a way of enthroning a parallel traditional rulership in another man’s kingdom.
According to the communiqué signed by the Chairman, Eze Ilomuanya, Eze Eberechi Dick of Abia State, Eze Agom, Eze of Ebonyi, Igwe L O C Agubuzu of Enugu and Obi Gibson Nwosu, Deputy Anambra, “It observed with dismay the implications of this lawlessness capable of destroying the traditional institution in Nigeria as a whole. The intentions and actions of Okorocha, Governor of Imo State are illegal and unprogressive and therefore not acceptable to the council in particular and Ndigbo in general.
“That the Council commends the Traditional Rulers in Imo State for their wise decision in condemning this illegality and boycotting the event. That the Council calls on all Traditional Rulers all over the country to reject this absurdity and promotion of abomination (alu).
“That the Council calls on the South East Governors, other state Governors, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo Leaders of thought both in Nigeria and Diaspora, States and National Assemblies and the Federal Government to reject this anomaly.
“That the Council calls on Ohanaeze Ndigbo to immediately step into action to join the Traditional Rulers in the fight against this trend and development to avert the ugly consequences”.
While condemning the act, the Council “re-affirms that the approved title for leaders of Ndigbo in Diaspora and other parts of Nigeria is “Onye Ndu Ndigbo” and emphasizes that they are not Traditional Rulers and can not be treated or seen as such. The Council maintains that it is only the South East Council of Traditional Rulers in collaboration with Ohanaeze Ndigbo that has the right to confer the Title of “Onye Ndu Ndigbo” on any deserving person.
“Once more, the Council condemns the use of the title of “Eze Igbo/Ochi-Igbo” or any other name than the approved Onye Ndu Ndigbo for leaders of Ndigbo in Diaspora and reminds the general public that the use of such other title for leaders of Ndigbo in Diaspora has been abolished.
“The Council therefore, calls on all Traditional Rulers in Igbo land who have conferred any Chieftaincy title on Governor Rochas Okorocha to withdraw same with immediate effect”.
