CHUKA UBAH
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State has taken a decisive step by unveiling the new Ezendigbo in Ibeju-Lekki, Iba and Ikeja Local Government areas thereby sacking the former Ezendigbo in those areas for allegedly constituting nuisance and bringing the Igbo traditional stool into disrepute in the State.
Thus, by the decision, Eze Chris Offia, Eze Uche Dimgba and John Greg are no longer recognized as Ezendigbo in Ibeju-Lekki, Ikeja and Iba Local Government areas by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.
Another effect of the decision is that the trio may likely have to proceed on self exile in line with the Igbo tradition and culture in order to avert calamity because whenever Kings are deposed, it is expected that they will do so.
The aforementioned Traditional leaders removed, have already been replaced with Eze Hyacinth Moses Dugwu, Eze S.E. Onuoha for Ibeju-Lekki and Igbo Elerin and Iba kingdoms respectively while a new date will be announced for the installation of the nominated Ezendigbo in Ikeja.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the decision of the critical stakeholders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by the President, Chief Solomon Aguene, who also constituted a committee led by the Chairman, Supreme Council of Ezendigbo, Eze Lawrence Eze, Eze Vincent Iwobi, Eze Obi, Eze Christian Nwachukwu, Eze John Nwosu, the Igbo King maker, High Chief John Uche and others as members.
The mandate of the Committee is to screen all the Ezendigbo and submit the names of qualified Ezendigbo for onward submission to the Lagos State Government through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
This was disclosed by Chief Thompson Ohia, who is Chief of Staff to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo President, Chief Solomon Aguene, at the Ohanaeze Secretariat in Surulere, Lagos State.
He explained that the latest development was in line with the earlier promise by Chief Aguene to reposition and restore the position of Ezendigbo in Lagos State because of the disgrace and embarrassment some of them had brought to Ndigbo and other ethnic groups in the State.
Chief Ohia explained that over the years, it has been discovered that many of those parading themselves as Ezendigbo in various Local Government areas in Lagos State were dubious people and were using the position to commit all sorts of atrocities which created bad impressions of Igbo culture and tradition.
He stated that Ohanaeze Ndigbo President, Aguene, has mandated the new Committee having passed the rigorous screening themselves in both conduct and character, not necessarily because of money, to screen other Ezendigbo in the 57 Local Councils and those who are found to be dubious will be removed while Ohanaeze will work with the Lagos State government to position the qualified Ezendigbo in Lagos State.
“The new arrangement now is that Ohanaeze Ndigbo will submit the names of qualified Ezendigbo for recognition by the Lagos State Government through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, of which all the listed Ezendigbo in various Local Councils will be accountable for their actions and the Igbo living in the area.
He noted that many of the Ezendigbo are dishonest especially when it comes to money and that was why some were seen fighting over cow meat while identifying with the PDP in the morning, Labour Party in the afternoon and with the APC at night, saying that such behaviours portray the Igbo traditional stool in bad light before the owners of the land.
Chief Ohia explained that Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Chief Aguene has made it public that the Igbo will no longer accept any conduct the will bring the Igbo tradition and customs into dispute as well as continue to ensure that Ezendigbo selection will be made up of people with good character that have the interest of Ndigbo at heart in Lagos State.
He advised members of the public to be aware of the development and any further inquiry concerning Ezendigbo, who are recognized by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, such person or group of persons should come to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretariat at 19 James Robinson Street, Surulere, Lagos.