Owerri: Traditional rulers in the South East have officially inducted 32 Ezeigbo from the diaspora into the main Igbo traditional rulership structure, renaming their title as Ndinduigbo N’uzo Ije. This significant event took place at the Obi Eze Palace in Owerri, presided over by Eze Emma Okeke, Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Traditional Ruler of Amaifeke Autonomous Community in Orlu.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Eze Emma Okeke expressed his delight at the induction and renaming, stating that this move is expected to foster peace and accelerate development within the South-East Geopolitical Zone. He emphasized the historical significance of the event, declaring it as a momentous occasion that dispels the notion that Igbos have no kings. He highlighted the unity among traditional rulers in Igboland and Igbo leaders in the diaspora as a step toward betterment and posterity for the Igbo community.
Eze Okeke also addressed past challenges, noting the avoidance of Igbo activities due to perceived corruption and the misuse of traditional titles by some Igbo diaspora leaders. He asserted that the renaming marks an end to these issues and reaffirmed the commitment to uphold and enforce Igbo values, traditions, and prohibitions.
The event saw participation from notable figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, and state chairmen of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. John-Greg Okey, Ezebuadi, Eze Ugwudike Ichida, and Chairman of the Council of Ndinduigbo N’uzo Ije, Lagos State Chapter, chaired the occasion.
Ezebuadi commented on the aim of reconciling the long-standing nomenclature dispute between traditional rulers within the South East and those in the diaspora, formerly known as Ezeigbo. He noted that the event also served to issue certificates of recognition to the newly titled Ndinduigbo N’uzo Ije and was attended by over 50 traditional rulers from the South East.
One of the inductees, Chukwudi Ihenetu, Ohazurume 1 of Igbos in Ghana, expressed gratitude on behalf of his fellow inductees to the state governments in the South East and the traditional rulers for facilitating this significant event.