KINGSLEY EBERE
The Apex leader of Ndieze in Southwest, Eze Tochukwu Anosike, has stated that those claiming to have changed their title to Onyendu Ndigbo in diaspora were never crowned as Eze in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that Eze Anosike made this clarification through his spokesman, Eze John Nwosu, in response to a press release by Chief John Greg, claiming they have changed their title from Ezendigbo to Onyendu Ndigbo in diaspora.
Eze Nwosu explained that the group, known as Eze Udo, were Palace Chiefs created by the late Ezendigbo, Lagos, Eze Hyacinth Ohazuruike, for administrative convenience in Lagos State.
They adopted the Onyendu title after realizing they were no longer recognized following Ohazuruike’s passing, which made them look like orphans in disarray.
He said, “They are like what happened in the Bible during the reign of King Solomon in the judgment between two women over a baby. The owner of the baby asked King Solomon not to divide the baby because the baby will die but the other woman insisted that the baby should be divided so that the baby will die. The Eze Udo has no stake in Ezendigbo matter in diaspora”.
Eze Nwosu stated that the Igbo Speaking Community is the only organization empowered to crown Ezendigbo in diaspora, and stringent conditions must be met, including:
– Letters of recognition from the President General and traditional ruler of their town
– Proper screening to confirm qualification for Ezeship in a particular community
Those holding the Eze Udo title were neither screened nor crowned Ezendigbo by the community, rendering them unauthorized to speak on behalf of Ndieze in diaspora.
Nwosu recalled that in 2012, those with the Eze Udo title attempted to negotiate recognition as Ezendigbo with the Igbo Speaking Community but failed to meet the conditions and were rejected.
He therefore, urged the Southeast Traditional Council to support Ndieze in diaspora promoting the Igbo culture and tradition, and requested guidelines for Ezendigbo in diaspora, as previously provided during Ikeokwu’s regime.
He also urged the Southeast Traditional Council to have a rethink and listen to Ndieze in diaspora because they are assisting them to promote the Igbo culture in diaspora.
Nwosu explained that significant population of Ndigbo are outside Igbo land. And they don’t return home with their families often, but their children learn about the Igbo tradition and culture through Ndieze in diaspora and therefore, should encourage Ndieze in diaspora.
He also recalled that when he was given the title as Asiwaju Ndigbo of Mushin, he was not motivated until he was crowned Ezendigbo in Mushin. He was then motivated to be promoting the Igbo culture and tradition and became a brand ambassador of Igbo culture and tradition worldwide.
The clarification aims to resolve confusion that has been in the air and assert the legitimacy of Ezendigbo Gburugburu Southwest’s leadership.