CHUKA UBAH
The Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos, has congratulated Eze Tochukwu Anosike on his emergence as the new Ezendigbo Gburugburu of the Southwest. The BOT described the appointment as a milestone for Ndigbo living across the region.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that Eze Tochukwu Anosike was formally recognized as Ezendigbo Gburugburu in the Southwest following his crowning by the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade.
The royal endorsement has been hailed as a symbol of unity between the Igbo and Yoruba in the region.
In a congratulatory message, the BOT Chairman, Dr. Jonathan Nnaji, said the honour was well deserved. He described Eze Anosike as “a man of integrity and impeccable character”, whose leadership qualities and track record of community service set him apart.
Dr. Nnaji noted that the position of Ezendigbo Gburugburu is both prestigious and tasking. He called on every Igbo son and daughter in the Southwest to rally around the new leader and give him maximum support to succeed in his new role.
“This is not a one-man job,” Dr. Nnaji stated. “For Eze Anosike to unite Ndigbo and protect our collective interest, we must all close ranks. Our strength lies in our unity, and this office must enjoy the goodwill of every town union, market association, and cultural group.”
The BOT Chairman offered prayers for divine guidance and protection for Eze Anosike, asking God to grant him wisdom to build strong bridges between Ndigbo and their host communities across Yoruba land. He stressed that peace and mutual respect must define the new reign.
Dr. Nnaji emphasized tolerance, humility, and purposeful leadership as the hallmarks expected of the new Ezendigbo Gburugburu. He said the office carries the burden of managing cultural affairs, mediating disputes, and projecting Igbo heritage positively in the Southwest.
By virtue of the title, Eze Anosike now becomes the leader of all Ndieze — Igbo traditional rulers — in the Southwest, overseeing the affairs of Ndigbo in the six states of the zone. He also retains his position as Eze Ndi Igbo Ojo Central, covering Iba LCDA, Oto-Awori LCDA, and Ojo Local Government Area in Lagos State.
The congratulations from the BOT underscores the significance of Eze Anosike’s new role in promoting Igbo culture, fostering unity among Ndigbo, and deepening inter-ethnic harmony in the Southwest. Stakeholders say the crowning by the Alaafin adds traditional legitimacy to the office.
As messages of goodwill continue to pour in, community leaders say expectations are high that Eze Tochukwu Anosike will use his reign to advance cultural diplomacy, support Igbo businesses, and strengthen the long-standing cordial relationship between Ndigbo and the Yoruba people in the Southwest.