South-East Traditional Rulers Rename Ezeigbo Title, Induct 32

Traditional rulers in the South-East, yesterday, inducted 32 Ezeigbo in the Diaspora into the mainstream Igbo traditional institution and formally renamed their title “Ndinduigbo N’Uzo Ije.”

The induction and renaming ceremony was presided over by the Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, at the Obi Eze Palace in Owerri, Imo State.

Eze Okeke, who is also the traditional ruler of Amaifeke Autonomous Community in Orlu, described the event as a historic milestone that would foster unity, peace and development across the South-East geopolitical zone.

“I am highly delighted to be part of this epoch-making event. Today, history is being made all over the world and in the Igbo-speaking states in particular.

“This is the day the derogatory statement that Igbos have no kings has come to an end.

“It is a day that traditional rulers in Igboland and Igbo leaders in the Diaspora decided to come together to give honour to whom honour is due and speak with one voice for the betterment of the Igbo race and for posterity,” he said.

The monarch said he felt humbled to preside over what he described as a defining moment in the history of the Igbo people.

“I am glad and honoured that I am at the helm of affairs when the God of our ancestors decided to have mercy on the Igbo race by allowing this union and occasion to come to manifestation.

“The struggle of a millennium has come to an end,” he stated.

Eze Okeke noted that some people had distanced themselves from Igbo cultural activities due to what he described as the alleged corruption and bastardisation of traditional titles by certain Igbo leaders in the Diaspora.

“We are calling a spade a spade. Enough is enough on the sacrilege, and we believe that going forward, all our values, traditions and prohibitions shall be sustained, guided and enforced to the letter,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, and the various state chairmen of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide for supporting the initiative.

The event was chaired by John-Greg Okey, popularly known as Ezebuadi, Eze Ugwudike Ichida, and Chairman of the Council of Ndinduigbo N’Uzo Ije, Lagos State Chapter.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ezebuadi said the gathering was aimed at resolving the long-standing nomenclature dispute between traditional rulers in the South-East, commonly referred to as Ezes, and their counterparts outside the region who were formerly known as Ezeigbo in the Diaspora.

He explained that the event also served as a platform for presenting certificates of recognition to Ndinduigbo N’Uzo Ije, the new title adopted for the leaders formerly known as Ezeigbo in the Diaspora.

According to him, more than 50 traditional rulers from across the South-East endorsed and attended the ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Chukwudi Ihenetu, the Ohazurume I of Ndigbo in Ghana, expressed gratitude to the governments of the South-East states and traditional rulers in the region for organising the event.

He described the induction and renaming as a significant step towards strengthening ties between Ndigbo at home and those in the Diaspora, while promoting unity and preserving Igbo cultural heritage across the world.

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