KINGSLEY EBERE
The Igbo Community in Lagos State has finally cancelled all the traditional rulers a.k.a Ezendigbo crowned by Ohanaeze and warned them not to parade themselves as Igbo leaders in their various Local Councils across the state.
P.M.EXPRESS reports as was disclosed by the President of Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos State, Chief Sunday Udeh, during the inauguration of Eze Chika Nwokedi as the first elected Chairman of Council of Ndieze in Lagos State.
Udeh declared that any person crowned Ezendigbo by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State was null and void and should be disregarded by the Igbo and members of the public.
Chief Udeh explained that Ohanaeze was never created in the first place to crown Ezendigbo anywhere and stated that it is only the Igbo Community that was empowered by Constitution to crown Ezendigbo in diaspora and they have been doing so accordingly.
He further explained that in the Igbo culture and tradition, it is only the Igbo community that can crown Eze and not Ohanaeze, noting that what was happening in Ohanaeze especially in Lagos State, where one Eze crowns another Eze was absurd and against the norm, tradition and culture of Ndigbo.
Udeh explained that just as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide does not crown Eze in the Southeast, so they do not have any business to crown Ezendigbo in Lagos State.
During the inauguration of Eze Nwokedi as the Chairman of Council of Ndieze, Udeh explained that he was crowned as King in line with the constitution by the community in Lagos State.
He as well contested the election and was duly elected by Ndieze as their Chairman because they believed and trusted his leadership qualities, which he has demonstrated over the years.
He explained that Eze Nwokedi had the highest number of votes and was declared elected. He solicited for the support of every Igbo in Lagos State so that he will restore the dignity of Igbo traditional stool in Lagos State.
The declaration by Chief Udeh may be the starting point for the awaited reformation of Ndieze in Lagos State, which was long over due because of the embarrassment some of them have caused the Igbo over the years in the State.
It was not certain if the affected Ezendigbo will comply with the directive by Igbo Community as declared by Chief Sunday Udeh.