Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers Abolish Eze Ndigbo Title for All Igbo Leaders Outside Igbo Land
A release signed by the Chairman of Southeast council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) E.C Okeke, CFR (Eze Imo), His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nneameka Achebe (Leader), along side chairmen of Traditional councils in Enugu, Anambra, Abia and Ebonyi, the traditional rulers stated this:
The Chairman Igbo-Leaders in Diaspora
(Onye-isi Ndindu Ndigbo)
RESOLUTION OF SOUTH EAST COUNCIL OF TRADITIONAL RULERS (SECTR) ON THE AGREED/APPROVED NAME/TITLE FOR IGBO LEADERS IN DIASPORA
We bring you good tidings from South East Council of Traditional Rulers.
It is our desire to use this medium to express our gratitude to you on the invaluable roles you and your group have been playing in unifying Ndigbo in Diaspora and your selfless services to humanity.
We are particularly happy with your commitment to ensure peaceful co-existence of Ndigbo with their Host Communities in their Countries of Residence.
Your interest and commitment to the promotion of Igbo culture and Tradition are highly commendable and appreciated as they speak volume of your love for Ndigbo, our Cultural heritage and our Tradition.
It is important to know that the celebration of the cultural festivals of Ndigbo where you reside should be with the consent and approval of the Leadership of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers or of a particular State Council of Traditional Rulers as the case may be. Invitation to attend such festivals may be extended to any or some Igbo recognized Traditional Rulers in order to add colour and glamour to the occasion.
It has become very expedient for the South East Council of Traditional Rulers to use this medium to make the necessary clarifications to you and other Igbo Leaders in Diaspora on the use of the Title “Eze” in Igbo-land as follows:
“Eze” is a revered Traditional Title Reserved by Culture, Tradition and Legislation for Traditional Rulers Recognized by Government in the South East States.
“Eze” is also a title used by a Traditional Ruler enthroned and coronated by his Community/Kingdom in accordance with their laid down customs, culture and Traditions inherited from their Fore-Bearers, Progenitors and Ancestors.
You may wish to know that issues associated with the selection and enthronement of a Traditional Ruler are deep rooted in certain Rituals, Divinations, and Sacred ceremonies that are clearly defined and established by the Cultures of various ethnic Nationalities Ndigbo inclusive.
“Eze” as the king is referred to in Igbo-Land should have a Community, Kingdom or clan to administer. This is to say (suffice it to say) that there cannot be an “Eze” without a Community, Kingdom or clan to rule.
An “Eze” must have a Symbol of Authority – the Ofo which is not merely ceremonial but a spiritual tool given to him by his people to enable him perform his statutory Cultural and Traditional Roles in his Community as the Traditional Ruler.
The Title “Eze” cannot be given to or conferred on persons residing outside Igbo Communities irrespective of their personality or positions (elective or otherwise) since it is not a Political Title and neither is it a Title of Convenience but one rooted in the Culture and Traditions of a people.
This clarification has become very necessary at this auspicious time to enable you and your colleagues know the difference between genuine Igbo Traditional Rulers from their subjects who are Igbo Leaders in Diaspora.
It is important to note that the South East Council of Traditional Rulers are not averse (against) our subjects in Diaspora having a formidable leadership outside Igbo-land as unity is key to power, peace and progress.
We are glad to inform you that South East Council of Traditional Rulers after several meetings, deliberations and due considerations have approved “Onyendu Ndigbo” (Igbo Leader in Diaspora) as the most appropriate name for whoever is the Head of Ndigbo in any place abroad or in Diaspora outside Nigeria.
Consequently, all Igbo Leaders abroad or in Diaspora are to revert to this approved and agreed title with immediate effect. Similarly, all sign posts, letter heads, complimentary cards etc are to be designed to reflect this.
We thank Almighty God and the gods of our land for granting us the grace and wisdom to settle amicably this protracted contentious issue which has lingered for decades of years, but now put to rest in a most peaceful manner (Supreme Court judgment not withstanding).
It is pertinent to know that full and immediate compliance on the use of the agreed Title will open doors of reconciliation, recognition and felicitation from both the Traditional and Government Authorities of your States of Residence and those of South East respectively.
Non-compliance however on a case that has been adjudicated by a competent court with jurisdiction shall be tantamount to gross insubordination, misconduct, belligerency and contempt of court which should not be associated with holders of such exalted leadership positions as it takes two to tango.
Conclusion:
South East Council of Traditional Rulers welcomes you on board the leadership of Ndigbo in Diaspora with open arms and has decided to extend our hands of fellowship to you in the discharge of your civic duties.
We appreciate your collective efforts in the peaceful resolution of this protracted and contentious issue. Your courtesy visit and goodwill messages created an atmosphere of brotherly love and mutual respect among yourselves with ourselves, for the Royal Fathers. They served as catalyst that precipitated the speedy disposition of this case in this dispensation.
All hands must be on deck to take Ndigbo to their Eldorado. Our culture is our life, our Tradition, our stake. Both must be upheld and respected in all circumstances and situations no matter whose ox is gored.
Accept the assurances of our Royal Regards for your esteemed positions as “Onye isi ndindu Igbo”.
Please, kindly circulate to all concerned.
