The South East Council of Traditional Rulers has officially replaced the controversial “Eze Ndigbo” title used by Igbo leaders in the diaspora with a new designation, “NdiNdu Ndigbo na Uzo Ije and Diaspora,”.
The move is to protect the sanctity of traditional institutions in Igboland.
The decision was formalised at the weekend during a ceremony held at the Eze Imo Palace in Owerri, Imo State, where 32 Igbo diaspora cultural leaders were inducted and presented with certificates of recognition as custodians of Igbo culture in their host communities.
The Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Dr Emmanuel C. Okeke (Eze Imo), presided over the ceremony alongside over 50 traditional rulers drawn the five South-East states.
The monarchs said the new nomenclature was introduced to end years of controversy surrounding the use of kingship titles outside Igboland and to restore dignity to traditional stools and institutions.
Speaking during the ceremony, Eze Okeke described the development as a historic breakthrough for the Igbo nation.
“I feel glad and humbled to be at the helm of affairs when the god of our ancestors decided to have mercy on the Igbo race by allowing this union and occasion to come to manifestation.
“The struggle of a millennium years has finally come to end,” he said.
He thanked stakeholders including Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, South-East governors, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and diaspora coordinators for supporting efforts to restore “sanity” to traditional institutions in Igboland and abroad.
“I make bold to say that our ancestors are now happy and prepared to participate actively in our cultural and traditional engagements.
Greater peace envisaged
“Ala Igbo will now experience greater peace and prosperity,” the monarch added.
Eze Okeke also commended Chief John-Greg Okey Ezebuadi and his team for championing the adoption of the new title among diaspora Igbo communities, particularly in Lagos State.
“We are highly pleased with him and his team who will be formally sworn in and presented with certificates of recognition as Ndi Ndu Ndigbo,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Onye Ndu Uzo Ije in Ghana, Dr Chukwudi Ihenetu, welcomed the decision.
He described it as a major step towards strengthening understanding between traditional rulers in the South East and Igbo communities abroad.
“This is a very good step taken today and we’re all happy for it.
“We all now know our roles and will continue to be good custodians of our culture in our various enclaves,” he said.
In a letter of commendation signed by Eze Okeke, the council confirmed that Chief Ezebuadi and Igbo cultural leaders under his leadership had formally adopted the new designation.
According to the letter, the move had helped resolve longstanding misconceptions surrounding the use of traditional titles by diaspora leaders.
The council further disclosed that the Lagos State chapter of the body would soon be inaugurated, with Ezebuadi serving as Chairman of the Council of NdiNdu Ndigbo in the state.
The traditional rulers praised the diaspora leaders for their commitment to preserving and promoting Igbo culture and unity outside Nigeria.
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