CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Eze Chika Nwokedi of Ijegun/Ijedodo has dismissed allegations that he is “fake” and said he was duly crowned Ezendigbo after meeting all the conditions stipulated by the Igbo Speaking Community, in line with tradition and community practice in Lagos.
Eze Nwokedi made the clarification on the heels of Dr. Jonathan Nnaji’s alleged claim in a publication alleging that he was fake and not duly crowned as Ezendigbo of the community.
In a statement received by P.M.EXPRESS, Eze Nwokedi debunked the allegations and said Dr. Nnaji’s claims were false and unfounded.
Nwokedi said his emergence followed due process and was recognized by a section of Ndieze and community stakeholders in Lagos during the 2023 period of realignment within the Igbo Speaking Community.
“I was screened, crowned, and presented in line with the requirements expected of an Ezendigbo in Lagos,” he stated. “Any claim that I did not meet the conditions or that I am an impostor is false and should be disregarded by the public.”
He also addressed questions around his traditional title. According to him, his late father held the title of Okpoko of Okpoko and he inherited and now bears the title of Okpoko one of Obodoukwu following his father’s passing.
“I never claimed to be the Igwe of Obodoukwu. My father was Okpoko of Okpoko and I took the title of Okpoko one of Obodoukwu town in Imo State after he passed on,” he said. He added that in Lagos, he functions with the chieftaincy title of Okpoko within his community base.
Eze Nwokedi noted that he has been carrying out community engagements, dispute resolution, and welfare activities for Ndigbo in Lagos since his coronation. According to him, his group operates as a faction of the Council of Ezendigbo that emerged during the 2023 crisis.
The Board of Trustees of the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos, led by Dr. Jonathan Nnaji, had earlier said it only recognizes the Council of Ezendigbo founded in 2003. The BOT also said any Eze must present letters from his traditional ruler and town union’s PG, and be profiled by the BOT before recognition, and that inquiries in Obodoukwu did not show a record for the title in question.
Eze Nwokedi maintained that he met all the conditions required and was duly crowned Ezendigbo of Ijegun/Ijedodo, Lagos.
He also revealed that the day he was crowned Ezendigbo in Lagos, his traditional ruler, Igwe Chika Dim attended the ceremony.
He stated that the publication erroneously reported that the Igwe of his community was contacted which never happened as the Igwe confirmed that he was never contacted.
Eze Nwokedi maintained that he remains committed to peace, unity, and the welfare of Ndigbo in Lagos, and urged the public to verify information before drawing conclusions.
“I am not in competition with anyone. My mandate is to serve my people with humility and uphold Igbo culture and tradition,” he said.