The Association of Ezendigbo in diaspora have been thrown into another crisis following the declaration of Eze Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu and Eze Ezebuadi John-Greg as Presidents from the Southern Nigeria.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that just as the association had two presidents in the past led by Ezendigbo in Kano, Eze Boniface Ibekwe and Ezendigbo in Akwa Ibom State, Eze Cyril Umeakuka and formed executives members, the hope of uniting the group may be a mirage.
Trouble started after Eze John-Greg, who was the Vice president of his faction, declared himself as President and listed the names of his executives on the upcoming election to be held later this year with the intention of taking over from Eze Cyril Umeakuka, whose faction is under Eze Hycient Ohazuruike as BOT chairman.
While Eze Nwachukwu, whose faction is said to be under Eze Boniface Ibekwe, as well declared himself President with the list of his executives following the declaration of Eze John-Greg because it was the turn of the Southern Nigeria to produce the next president as agreed by the association.
The association has been in crisis over the years following the parallel elections conducted by the group. While Eze Ibekwe conducted his own election in Kaduna State and emerged as president, Eze Umeakuka conducted his own election in Ogun State where he was declared President.
The list of the new executives led by Eze John-Greg as president included:
Eze Emeka Chikwe, Zonal Sec, Eze Donatus Okeke, Zonal VP, Eze Patrick Eneh, zonal 2nd VP, Eze Remi Anyamele, Asst zonal sec, Eze Willy Ejinkonye, National Treasurer, Eze Gregory Iloeluka, Eze Adiele Maduagwu, Eze Luke Abass, Eze Uche Dimgba, Eze Peter Umeh and Eze Augustinne Ebisi.
Eze Nwachukwu listed his own executives to include:
1. Eze (Dr) Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu – President General
2. Eze Dr. Adiele Maduagwu, Ezeigbo Rivers/Bayelsa Deputy National President.
3. Eze Barr. Matthew Emeka Ezeani, Ezeigbo Ireland – Deputy President Diaspora
4. Eze Dr Uche Egenti, MON, Ezeigbo, Abuja – Vice President North
5. Eze Dr Omenife Peter Olikenyi (Ide), Ezeigbo Otto Awori – Vice President South
6. Eze Uzochukwu J. Ezeneche, Ezeigbo Thailand – Vice President Diaspora
7. Eze Engr Sylvanus Aneke, Ezeigbo Kaduna – Secretary General
8. Eze (Dr) Boniface Ibekwe (Ide 1), Ezeigbo Kano – President General
9. Eze Ben Uzoma Ukwuehie, Ezeigbo Jiwa – Financial Secretary
10. Eze Valentine H Ezeugo, Ezeigbo Ajeromi – Asst. Financial Secretary
11. Eze Engr Jude Igwe Ezeigbo Idu – Publicity Secretary
12. Eze Lawrence Nnamdi, Ezeigbo Alimosho – Asst Pub. Sec.
13. Eze Dr Raymond Ugwuagbo, Ezeigbo Zuba – Social Welfare
Reacting over the latest crisis, Eze Nwachukwu explained that there has been parallel groups within the association, which led to the conduct of elections by the groups differently when it was agreed that the Northern part of Nigeria will produce the president.
He stated that majority of the members wanted every one to come together and to the surprise of many, Eze John-Greg declared himself president and formed executives to the surprise of members. Thus Eze Nwachukwu’s group reacted and formed their own executives as well, which may have foreclosed the unification of the group as one body.
When our correspondent contacted the secretary to BOT Chairman, Chief Ugochukwu, he stated that he was aware of the declaration of Eze John-Greg and his formation of executives, which was meant to cause confusion among the members. He explained that the National body of the association was not aware of such arrangement and his decision was null and void because even the BOT Chairman, Eze Ohazuruike, was not aware of that.
He pleaded for calm and promised that the National body of the two factions will have a meeting over the development and make their position known to the public.
View Comments
It's very unfortunate that Ndigbo have decided not to speak with one voice. This is an evidence of greed, disrespect. We are not ashamed of our attitudes. In Lagos, Ohanaeze Ndigbo , Igbo Speaking Community, Eze Ndigbo Lagos State,all have two or three factions.
in some local governments in Lagos, there are two or three Eze Ndigbo factions. That's why some Oba in Lagos have decided not to recognize anyone bearing the title of Eze Ndigbo in the local governments. When can we show maturity and behave well instead of disgracing ourselves publicly.
this issue of Eze ndigbo in diaspora has been taken tolls on the general well being of Ndigbo. One would always ask what exactly are these acclaimed self made Ezes contributing to the overall interest of Ndigbo? for many years I have followed some of the activities of these names mentioned here, but could not really fartom the reasons for it's existence if not for personal gains. well,