Why We’re Compiling Authentic Ndieze In Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos — Ndigbo Media Forum

P.M.EXPRESS reports that Chief Izuekwe made the clarification following public inquiries and concerns from Ndieze about the project, which is set to commence soon.

According to Izuekwe, Chief Sunday Udeh and his executives have been disassociated from the Directory project. He said Udeh was among those who “created the monster” by discriminating in the crowning of Ndieze in the State, and therefore, cannot lead a process meant to correct past irregularities.

 He stated categorically that the project is not an Igbo Speaking Community project and has no business with Chief Udeh. The Ndigbo Media Forum, he said, is an independent organization led by respected National Coordinator, Rev. Paul Eze, with eminent journalists, professors, and critical stakeholders as members.

 Chief Izuekwe explained that his office as Director of Publicity, along with his team, is liaising directly with the recognized Council of Ndieze led by Eze Ephraim Nnaemeka. That Council is recognized by the Board of Trustees of Igbo Speaking Community, led by Dr. Jonathan Nnaji.

 On why Chief Udeh will not be contacted, Izuekwe said the process is clear: if Udeh crowns any Eze, he must notify the BOT. The BOT will then profile such an Eze and issue a certificate of recognition. The Forum will be working with the BOT and the Council, not the office of the President.

 He outlined conditions already set for crowning of Ndieze in the community. These include recommendation letters from the candidate’s traditional ruler and President-General of his hometown, plus final recognition by the BOT, which is the custodian of the Igbo Speaking Community.

Chief Izuekwe revealed that the Directorate already has names of numerous confirmed Ndieze from various Local Government areas in Lagos State. Many were issued certificates by Chief Sunday Udeh and it is left for the  BOT and the Council of Ndieze led by Eze Nnaemeka to recognize and confirm the list.

He cited examples such as Eze Jude Arinze (Eze Odumodu) of the Greenfield Estate in Ago-Okota and Eze Lawrence Nnamdi Eze in Alimosho Local Government. Their names were sent to have been crowned by the Igbo Speaking Community under its established process.

The next step, he said, is to send their names to the Council of Ndieze and the BOT for final confirmation. Once confirmed, they will be listed among the authentic Ndieze by the Directorate. This vetting is to ensure only properly crowned Ezes are documented.

Izuekwe said the exercise became necessary because of recent developments, particularly the ban on Ezendigbo by the apex Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Senator John Mbata. The Directory will help separate Igbo Speaking Community Ndieze from others affected by that ban.

On the project’s goal, Chief Izuekwe stated the aims are to separate fake from genuine Ndieze in Lagos State. Their names will be compiled, documented, and submitted to the Lagos State Government, Governors of the Southeast, foreign embassies, and other Igbo organizations like Ohanaeze.

It will equally be widely publicized on the Internet and indexed in Google for access to information internationally on the names Ndieze of Igbo Speaking community, Lagos and will also produce Directory for easy access for members of the public.

“This will clarify who the authentic members of the Council of Ndieze of Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos, are, in line with their constitution.” Izuekwe stated.”