Supreme Head of Obu-Ezumezu of Igbo and President of the Foundation for World Peace and Cultural Re-orientation, Dr. Ramas Okoye-Asuzu, says his commitment to truth and justice has often made him a target of envy and hostility.
In an interview at his country home in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Dr Okoye-Asuzu passionately recounted the challenges he has faced as a traditional leader and truth-teller in the community.
He recalled the commencement of his journey into traditional leadership and commitment to truth and justice.
“Well, I decided to open up on what bothers me as I recently celebrated my 13 years of occupying the seat of Ezeoba Gburugburu which I was coronated on November 7, 2012, at Convent Primary School, Nri,” he began.
“This chieftaincy title was perfected by the Isi Adama, the Chairman of Oba Society of Ikenga Nri, Chief S. O. Mbanefo.
“This seat of traditional supremacy that I have been occupying has become a product of jealousy and intimidation, thus subjecting me to some basic denials of my entitlements.”
Initial coldness for title taking
Dr. Okoye-Asuzu explained that he never initially sought any title upon his return from abroad in 1993 but was later persuaded by his family elders to take up the traditional chieftaincy as part of preserving Nri heritage.
“I wasn’t interested in the chieftaincy of our town, Nri, only decided to live all alone.
“However, my father told me much about our tradition which I earlier felt it was something fetish but later discovered its genuineness because I was formerly an evangelist,” he said.
Encouraged by his uncle, Chief Gaius Okeke, and some elders led by Chief S. O. Mbanefo, he joined the Nze na Ozo and Oba title institutions, which eventually led to his coronation as Ezeoba na Nri.
“My initiation was endorsed by both traditional rulers of the two sections of Nri—Igwe Peter Ogbummuo of Ikenga Nri and Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh of Agukwu Nri.
“I decided to perform the rites and invited all the cabinet members of Eze Onyesoh and Igwe Peter Ogbummuo.
“Eze Onyesoh said for the fact that I have taken the apex title in Nri kingdom, apart from Eze Nri, my eagle feathers would be seven while Onyesoh as the king would have eight eagle feathers distinctively.”
Hostility and exclusion
Despite his reverence for tradition and his role in sustaining Nri’s cultural heritage, Dr. Okoye-Asuzu lamented the hostility and exclusion he has faced from some quarters.
“I can’t be enslaved, denied my rights, or silenced because I speak truth to power in Nri town,” he vowed.
“My leadership philosophy as one rooted in truth, peace, and justice, insisting that traditional leadership should be a tool for uniting, not dividing, the people.
“Those who misrepresent tradition for selfish interests are the real enemies of progress,” he added.
As Nri—revered as the cradle of Igbo civilization—grapples with issues of unity and leadership, Dr. Okoye-Asuzu’s experience mirrors the broader challenge of balancing cultural authenticity with modern accountability.
Yet, in his words and demeanor, he remains unwavering: “I will continue to stand by truth, no matter who feels offended.”
