Crisis Hits Ndigbo Over Plans To Impose Eze Uche Dimgba As New Ezendigbo Lagos State 

KINGSLEY EBERE 

Crisis has hit Ndigbo over the purported plans by Ndieze Ndigbo in Diaspora Worldwide and Ndieze Udo Title Holders Association to impose Eze Uche Dimgba as the new Ezendigbo in Lagos State following the demise of Late Eze Hyacinth Ohazuruike.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the plot to impose Eze Dimgba came to limelight following the recent meeting and courtesy visit to commiserate with the family and Palace of their departed leader and Eze Ndigbo Lagos State, Eze Hyacinth Ohazuruike.

The members of the group were said to be routing to crown Eze Dimgba as new Ezedigbo after the final burial or last Ofala for late Ohazuruike, despite the fact that they knew that Eze Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu, who is also Ezendigbo in Lagos State, is still alive.

Top on the group of Ndieze routing for Dimgba included Vice President General of Ndieze in diaspora and Eze Ndigbo in Isolo, Eze Ikem Agbasi, Eze Uche Dimgba, (highly favoured by most Ezes to be Eze Ohazulike’s successor as next Eze Ndigbo Lagos State), Eze John – Greg Ezebuadi, Eze Dr. Alex Sunday Nwoye, Eze Peter Umeh, Eze Nicholas Njoku, Eze Tony Anosike; Eze Innocent F. Okunamiri of Ifo, Ogun State; Eze Ossai Igwe; Eze Enwemadu Livinus Chimezie and Eze Nnaemeka Agbo. Others are: Barrister Chief Charles Onyeaku; Chief Chris Okolie and Barrister Jeffrey Ikwunze.

The meeting, which was held at Eze Dimgba palace in Ikeja, was said to be successful as thereafter they drove to the the palace of the late Ohazuruike and met with his daughter, Princess Emily Akuabia Ohazulike; His Onowu, High Chief Goddy Ulasi; Palace Secretary, Mazi Ugochukwu Ekwebelem; Chief Francis Ukairo (Ikemba 1) ; Chief Dr. Valentine Ngonadi, a.k.a Iduu Ebubudike Na Ihiala; Adaigbo Lagos State,Chief Mrs. Vera Johnson; Chief Perry Awuzie; amongst others.

There has been reactions over the purported meeting and endorsement of Eze Dimgba as reported in the media and the desperation of Eze Dimgba to become Ezendigbo when the final burial of late Ohazuruike has not been concluded.

The contentious issue is that of Eze Udo status (which is a chieftaincy title holder). Does Eze Udo qualify to become Ezendigbo Lagos State whereas they do not have voting rights during Ezendigbo elections?

What role will a social club like Ndieze in diaspora play in crowning Ezendigbo in Lagos State without Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Igbo Speaking Community involvement?

Some said that the Ndieze said to be routing for Eze Uche Dimgba may have been coarsed into the game without their knowledge until the recent publication of their endorsement of Dimgba.