By BROWN CHIMEZIE

Following the abolition of the title of Ezendigbo (Igbo king) outside Igboland by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers, Ndigbo resident in Lagos State have crowned their own first Onye-ndu (leader) in the person of Chief Paul Nnoruka Odinaka.

The historic occasion which took placed on Sunday, September 18, 2022, in Alimosho area of Lagos State, attracted the who-is-who among Ndigbo in Southwest zone and beyond, including the National Chairman of Council of Ndindu Ndigbo n’uzo ije (Diaspora), High Chief Aloy Obi, the National Secretary, Chief Iheonunekwu George; Onye Ndu Ndigbo in Ogun State, High Chief Michael Ubah; Onye ndu Ndigbo in Owo, Ondo state, Chief Chibuzo Ojinaka; Onye ndu Ndigbo of Federal Capital Territory, Chief Henry Ifeanyi Iheanacho, as well as the Patron of Igbo General Assembly, Chief Emeka Enweronye,.

Speaking during the event, High Chief Aloy Obi who is also the Onye ndu Ndigbo in Ibadan in particular, and Oyo state in general, said that the coronation of Chief Paul Odinaka as the Onye ndu Ndigbo in Lagos State was in compliance with the directive of the apex Igbo soc-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Southeast Council of traditional rulers.

According to him, as a disciplined, responsible and respectful organization, the Council of Ndindu Ndigbo in Diaspora would always abide by the dictates of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers, hence their decision to be taking the title of Onye ndu Ndigbo (Igbo leader),rather than Eze Ndigbo (IgboKing).

High Chief Obi described those still bearing the title of Eze Ndigbo (Igbo king), outside Igbo land as prodigal and wayward and, as such, should repent and make peace with the traditional rulers in the Southeast.

“In the Bible, Jesus said, if you love me, obey my commandments. Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Southeast Council of Traditional rulers have said that nobody should be parading himself as king outside Igbo land and yet some people are disobeying them. That simply shows that they are not responsible, let alone respectful. The same Bible also said honour your father. So, I want to congratulate Chief Paul Odinaka, the first Onye Ndu Ndigbo in Lagos state for deciding to be responsible and respectful. I also appreciate the Igbo General Assembly, Lagos State chapter, for choosing a very a quality and honourable man for this position. I am aware that the position is very tasking. But God will give you the strength, wisdom and wealth to justify the confidence that Ndigbo in Lagos has reposed on you.”

Responding, Chief Paul Odinaka commended the Igbo General Assembly, Lagos State chapter, for finding him worthy of the position. He also commended the Council of Ndi ndu Ndigbo in Diaspora for accepting him into their fold.

According to him, many people have approached him to take the title of Eze Ndigbo but he refused because he knew that it was against the resolution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers.

He promised to contribute his quota in the promotion and projection of Igbo tradition and culture.

He also promised to be fair and truthful in the discharge of the duties of his office.

•PHOTO: Aloy Obi, National Chairman Council of Ndi Ndu Ndigbo in Diaspora (left), presenting certificate of office to the Onye Ndu Ndigbo of Lagos State, Paul Odinaka (middle)