The Full List Of 24 Ex-Ezendigbo In Lagos Who Surrendered Titles To Onyendu After Diaspora Ban Revealed

The ex-monarchs gave up the Ezendigbo title last Friday at the Imo State Traditional Rulers Parliament Building inside Ezeimo Palace, Owerri.

The move followed the ban on the Ezendigbo title in the diaspora by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

The palace hall was filled to capacity as dignitaries from across the South East witnessed the event. The ceremony was led by the Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Eze Dr E.C. Okeke, CFR.

During the event, the first batch of former Eze Ndigbo title holders were inaugurated as “Ndi Ndu Ndigbo in Diaspora”.

The 24 ex-Eze Ndigbo from Lagos State:

1. Uche Dimgba “Okpotenba” – Ikeja

2. Pat Eneh – Badagry

3. Ikem Agbasi – Isolo

4. Dr Alex S.M. Nwoye – Ejigbo

5. Gaby Emeka Dimude – Apapa

6. Ezebuadi Okey John Greg – Iba LCDA

7. Gerald Onuchukwu – Eti-Osa LGA

8. Peter Olikenyi – Otta-Awori LCDA

9. Umeh Peter Chukwudi – Mushin

10. Okpaga Emenike Itsum – Ebonyi in Lagos

11. Damion Omumuka – Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA

12. Dike Steve Chukwuemeka – Ikotun-Igando LCDA

13. Augustine Sunday Ojukwu – Amuwo-Odofin LCDA

14. Enwemadu Livinus Chimezie – Igbogbo-Bayeku LCDA

15. Chris Offia Chukwuemeka – Ibeju-Lekki LGA

16. Paul Odidika – Alimosho LGA

17. Nduka Reginald Ekoh – Olorunda LCDA

18. Remi Ndukuba Anyamele – Ikosi-Isheri LCDA

19. Augustine Ebisi – Ojodu LCDA

20. Amb. Emeka Ugwakome – Iru/Victoria Island

21. Sir Stephen Etolue – Badagry LGA

22. Prince Charles Ukeje – Ojokoro LCDA

23. Samuel Udoh – Egbe/Idimu LCDA

24. Chief Godwin Okafor – Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.

The event drew prominent traditional rulers from the South East, including: HRH Igwe Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu CFR, Coordinator, South East Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Linus Nto Mbah, Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Eze Dr Lucky Okoro PhD, Secretary, Imo State and South East Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Igwe C.E. Nnaegbula, Member, Ethics Committee; and HRH Eze Joseph Nwabekee, former Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers.

According to Igbo leaders at the event, the key difference between “Onyendu” and “Ezendigbo” in the diaspora is role. Ezendigbo title holders were custodians of Igbo culture and tradition. Onyendu, on the other hand, will function as community leaders, similar to union leaders, without cultural custodianship.

The implication is that Onyendu may not perform the traditional rights like new yam festival. The only recognized Ezendigbo now is the ones crowned by the Igbo Speaking community.