KINGSLEY EBERE
The Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos has thrown its weight behind the newly adopted title “Onyendu Ndigbo” to replace “Eze Ndigbo” for individuals previously bearing the title without following traditional and constitutional processes.
Dr. Jonathan Nnaji, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos, made this known in an exclusive interview with P.M.EXPRESS.
As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos, what is your position on the newly established title “Onyendu Ndigbo,” which has now replaced the title “Eze Ndigbo” previously used by some individuals?
Thank you very much for this important question.
First and foremost, I would like to commend and appreciate those who introduced and adopted the title “Onyendu Ndigbo” for individuals who had previously been bearing the title “Eze Ndigbo” without following the recognized traditional and constitutional processes.
This development particularly affects individuals who claimed to have been crowned as Eze Ndigbo by the late Eze Hyacinth Uwazuruike, as well as those who claimed to have received such titles through Ohanaeze Ndigbo. I am pleased that many of those concerned have embraced the title Onyendu Ndigbo, which I consider a positive and progressive development.
The customs, traditions, and cultural heritage of the Igbo people must not be distorted or subjected to practices that are inconsistent with established traditional norms, especially outside Igbo land.
What are the traditional realities backing this position?
My position is founded on two undeniable realities:
1. Community Authority in Traditional Rulership
There is no community anywhere within the five South-Eastern states of Nigeria where Ohanaeze Ndigbo has the constitutional, customary, or traditional authority to crown an individual as an Eze, Igwe, or traditional ruler of any community.
2. Traditional Rulers Do Not Crown Other Traditional Rulers
Similarly, there is no known custom or tradition anywhere in the five South-Eastern states where one Eze or Igwe possesses the authority to crown another individual as an Eze or Igwe of a different community. Traditional rulership remains a sacred institution that derives its legitimacy from the people and customs of a particular community.
For these reasons, I commend those who had the foresight and wisdom to correct what many regarded as an anomaly by adopting the title Onyendu Ndigbo.
What is the proper procedure for conferring “Eze Ndigbo” recognition in Lagos?
According to established Igbo customs and traditions, it is the community that identifies and selects an individual who has distinguished himself through exceptional service, integrity, leadership, and contributions to society. Such a person is carefully profiled, assessed, and approved by the community before being accorded any traditional recognition.
This is the procedure recognized and upheld by the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos. The process requires that:
1. The individual must first present himself to the Executive Council.
2. The Executive Council forwards the matter to the Board of Trustees for comprehensive profiling, verification, and screening.
3. Upon satisfactory review and approval by the Board of Trustees, recommendations are made to the President-General, the Executive Council, and ultimately the wider community.
Only after the completion of these constitutional requirements can any installation or recognition process proceed.
Any purported crowning or installation carried out outside these established procedures cannot be regarded as having the endorsement or recognition of the Board of Trustees, which remains the custodian of the constitution, traditions, and institutional integrity of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos.
Final words?
It is important to emphasize that the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos is a duly registered organization, and the institution of Eze Ndigbo is expressly recognized and enshrined within its constitution. Consequently, all matters relating to the conferment, recognition, and installation of an Eze Ndigbo within the jurisdiction of the community must be conducted strictly in accordance with the provisions of that constitution.
In conclusion, I once again commend those who introduced the title Onyendu Ndigbo, as it reflects a commendable effort to preserve the dignity, authenticity, and integrity of Igbo traditional institutions while promoting order, legality, and respect for established customs and constitutional procedures.