The Chairman of Ndi-Ndu Ndigbo na Uzo Ije (Association of Igbo Leaders in Diaspora), High Chief Aloy Obi, has criticized the bearing of the title of Eze Ndigbo(Igbo kings) outside Igbo land.

Speaking during the coronation of Chief Michael Uba as the Onye-Ndu Ndigbo (Igbo leader) in Ogun State, Chief Obi who is the first to be crowned the Onye-Ndu Ndigbo of Ibadan land in particular and Oyo state in general, in an occasion that was attended by the some South East traditional rulers, described bearing the title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland as an affront to the customs and traditions of their host communities, since there cannot be two kings in a kingdom.

According to him, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of Ndigbo has frowned at bearing title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland.

He said that when he was crowned the Onye-Ndu Ndigbo of Oyo State, there were appeals by those answering Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland for him to join them, but he refused, because he cannot go against the decision of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organization as well as that of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers.

High Chief Obi poured encomium on Chief Michael Uba for abiding by the decision of Ohanaeze Ndigbo by answering the title of Onye-Ndu (Igbo leader), rather than Eze Ndigbo (Igbo king).

He described Uba as a humble, generous and hardworking young man who has impacted positively on the lives of people.

“Today, history is being made in Ogun State with the crowning of Chief Michael Uba as the Onye Ndu Ndi-Igbo of Ogun State.

“When I was crowned the Onye Ndu Ndigbo of Oyo State about 12 years ago, some of those who are going by the title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland came to me to ask me join them, but I refused, knowing that it is not right.

“I cannot answer Eze Ndigbo in Oyo State and go home to answer Chief. That is living in denial. The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo under Chief Nnia Nwodo commended my position and I know that a lot of Ndigbos are deciding to be doing the right thing. For me, I cannot depart from the instruction of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers as well as that of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which is the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization,” Obi said.

High Chief Obi also used the forum to congratulate the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe on his appointment as the Chairman of South East Council of Traditional Rulers.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the association and also the Onye-Ndu Ndigbo of Osun state, Chief Iheonunekwu George, said that Ndi-Ndu Ndigbo Na-Uzo Ije title was a way of correcting the wrongs of the past.

According to him, the title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igbo land was causing trouble among Ndigbo and their host communities.

He said that with the title of Ndi-Ndu Ndigbo, there was going to be harmonious relationship between Ndigbo and their host communities wherever they are in the world.

“It is what a person calls his dog that the dog answers and no one should tell one the name to answer. But come to think of it, who are we deceiving, ourselves or the host state or community? You bear a king in another man’s kingdom and when you die, your corpse would be taken to your village.

“You are a king without any trace of royalty from your linage. How can one claim to be a king in another man’s land while it is a fact that there cannot be two kings in a kingdom. Therefore, there is need for us, Ndigbo in Diaspora, to begin to use the proper title. We should also note that no Yoruba monarch in the South West has the traditional powers to confer Eze Ndigbo on any Igbo man in Yoruba land.

“The highest title they can bestow is the Asiwaju Ndigbo or Balogun which translates to Igbo leader. The problem is that some of those who have been conferred with Asiwaju title in the South West in particular are now calling themselves His Royal Highness or His Royal Majesty in another man's land, which is nothing but an affront. But those of us who have chosen to go by the title of Ndi-Ndu see ourselves as cultural leaders in the Diaspora and our duty is to help in the promotion of our language and culture so, that our children who were born outside. Igbo land will learn and appreciate their culture,” the Secretary said.

Speaking after his coronation, Uba expressed gratitude for being found worthy for the position. He promised to use it in the service of God and humanity.

According to him, though he has been trying his best for the Ndigbo living in Ogun State, the honour bestowed on him would motivate him to do more.

They used the occasion to pay courtesy visit on His Royal Highness, Oba Alayeluwa Timothy Akinsanya, the Ewusi of Makun, Sagamu, in his palace.

The occasion was graced by Ndi-Ndu Ndigbo from different states in the South West.

•PHOTO: Chief Michael Uba (M) with certificate as the Onye Ndu Ndigbo of Ogun State; Right: High Chief Aloy Obi, Onye Ndu Ndigbo of Oyo State; and Left: Chief Iheonunekwu George, Onye Ndu Ndigbo of Osun State

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