KINGSLEY EBERE
The prestigious Council of Ndieze of the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos State, led by Eze Ephraim Nnaemeka, popularly known as Okosisi, on Thursday 10th June, 2026, conducted the formal induction of Eze Boniface Chukwudi Okparaku
Eze Okparaku, popularly known as Amuru Onye Na Ego in Ihitenansa in Imo State, also serves as the Eze Chukwu Kwadoro of Abaranje/Okerube in Ikotun, Lagos.
The induction ceremony was held at the palace of the Chairman of the Council, Eze Nnaemeka, located in the Aboru area of Lagos. The event followed traditional customs with prayers, kola nut presentation, and the conferment of council regalia on the newly inducted leader.
The event drew a large gathering of traditional rulers and stakeholders from the Igbo community in Lagos. Their presence underscored the significance of unity and the preservation of Igbo cultural identity within a cosmopolitan state like Lagos.
In attendance was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Igbo Speaking Community, Dr. Jonathan Nnaji, who witnessed the proceedings as the highest authority of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos. His presence validated the legitimacy of the induction process.
Senior members of the council were also present, including Ezendigbo of Mushin, Eze Dr. John Nwosu, and Ezendigbo of Oto-Awori, Eze Timothy Nwanoro. Other dignitaries included Eze Pastor Okey and several cabinet chiefs of Ndieze who serve as members of the council.
The Director of Media and Publicity of the BOT, Chief Cyriacus Izuekwe, covered the event to ensure proper documentation and transparency. He emphasized that accurate record-keeping remains central to the council’s operations and public accountability.
Speaking after his induction, Eze Boniface Okparaku explained his decision to join the Council of Ndieze under Eze Nnaemeka’s leadership. He said he was approached by several other groups but chose this council after thorough investigation confirmed it as the only body officially recognized by the BOT of the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos State.
Eze Okparaku noted that due diligence was necessary to avoid affiliation with factions lacking proper recognition. He stated that the authenticity of the council and the presence of the BOT Chairman at the ceremony confirmed he had made the right choice.
He pledged his commitment to the council’s vision, promising to add value through grassroots mobilization and the promotion of Igbo culture, language, and traditions among Igbo residents in Abaranje, Okerube, Ikotun, and surrounding areas.
Welcoming the new member, Eze Nnaemeka spoke on behalf of the council. He reiterated that the Council of Ndieze of the Igbo Speaking Community has only one authentic leadership structure under his chairmanship, and that this structure enjoys full recognition and backing from the BOT.
Eze Nnaemeka recalled that the council was founded in 2003 and has maintained its integrity through successive leadership transitions. He stressed that the council has consistently served as the custodian of Igbo customs and traditions in Lagos without compromise.
Addressing recent controversies, Eze Nnaemeka clarified that the council is not in competition with any other group. He stated that since his council remains the original and BOT-recognized body, any other councils operating independently have no affiliation with the Council of Ndieze of the Igbo Speaking Community. He called on all Igbo traditional leaders in Lagos to unite under the authentic council for the collective progress of the community.