Of Eze Ndigbo Title Outside Igboland, My Take

Eze Ndigbo na uzo ije is more or less an honorary chieftaincy title. Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu while alive endorsed the concept and charged Ndigbo to unite under a leader that will be known and referred to as “Eze Ndigbo”, wherever they find themselves outside Igbo.

The original concept of “Eze Ndigbo” was actually conceived by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and it was designed to ensure that the Igbo culture and tradition are exported to the rest of the world, most especially to Igbo sons and daughters who are in diaspora, to enable them celebrate, promote, propagate and preserve the Igbo culture.

The concept “Eze Ndigbo” was a brilliant idea birthed to ensure that Ndigbo have a leader, under an umbrella of brotherhood, to ensure the protection and defense of Igbo interest in the very community they reside outside Igboland.

It was a welcome development not until it became politicised. Politicians keyed into the movement to divide our people, to manipulate our people, to brainwash the gullible minds, and eventually to promote ethnic sentiments and bigotry.
Recently, the controversy surrounding the title cannot be overemphasized, it’s has become a glorified kingship inspired by stomach infrastructure.

The so called “Eze Ndigbo” title bearers have become willing tools in the hands of politicians, successive governments in Lagos State from the time of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as governor patronized the Eze Ndigbo franchise. The title became so attractive, that Igbo people were found engrossed in kingship tussle outside Igboland.

The original concept of “Eze Ndigbo” was defeated when guymen joined the fray, just to enmasse wealth. The title became a meal ticket to some jobbermen. They would always go cap in hand to government houses, having selfish plots to enrich their private pockets.

For me, it’s not a bad idea to rechristen the Movement as”Onyendu Ndigbo” not “Eze Ndigbo” as presently obtained. There’s need for our young lads outside Igboland to have cultural leaders who will be educating them on the rich culture of Igboland. Teach them our way of life, our language, norms and traditions. Most importantly, our history as a people should be taught in every Igbo homes both in diaspora and hometown.

The “Eze Ndigbo franchise”, should better be understood from a standpoint of honorary chieftaincy title, it ends at head bridge Onitsha.

Ekenem!

Chief Dr Chuma-Odili Harris, FCMsp
Ogene Igbo