Crowning Of Eze Ndigbo Outside Igboland Ban

The Igbo leaders took a decision after a two-day meeting in Lagos Ohanaeze Ndigbo and some affiliate groups have resolved to embark on wide consultations with all stakeholders to take a common decision.

The leaders, including Ohanaeze President-General, Chief Gary Enwo Igariwey; Professor George Obiozor; Second Republic politician, Chief Guy Ikokwu; National Secretary, Ohanaeze Youths, Okwu Nnabuike among others, when asked their view on Biafra, declined comments until the end of the consultations “in a few days.”

However, to ensure harmonious relations between Ndigbo and their hosts all over the world, especially in Nigeria, they prohibited the crowning of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland. They specifically prohibited the use of the following appellations: His Royal Majesty, His Royal Highness, His Highness and His Imperial Majesty.

This came as President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said that in spite of challenges, Nigerians are determined to remain together as a united country just as the pro-Biafra protests continued in Umuahia, the Abia State capital and at Nnamdi Kanu’s home. Nnamdi Kanu is the Director of Radio Biafra, who is still being detained by the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Army has vowed to crush any insurrection and restore law and order, if called upon as Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, after listening to leaders of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, called for urgent restructuring of the country to contain the widening disquiet and discontent.

Given the sensitivity of the Biafra matter, Ohanaeze leaders have commenced consultations with prominent Igbo leaders on how to have a common stand on the issue.

Said the source:

“Ohanaeze and some statesmen in Igbo land are being circumspect. But I can tell you that they are not on the same page on this sensitive matter. The good thing is that they want the country restructured in line with the recommendations of the National Confab.

“The South-East deserves an equitable share in this country, but as things are today, the zone is obviously marginalised. That is what those boys are protesting for. They want a country where every region will be treated fairly.  I can assure you that Ndigbo will speak with one voice on the issue in a matter of days.”

In the interim, Ohanaeze Ndigbo outlawed the crowing of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland, warning that no Igbo leader in diaspora should flaunt himself as a traditional ruler.

The group said at a forum jointly convened by the Igbo-speaking Community Lagos State, Aka Ikenga, Otu Okaiwu and Ndigbo Lagos to address the controversies surrounding the existence of Eze Igbo in diaspora.

A communiqué signed by Igariwey; National Secretary of Ohanaeze Youth Wing, Mr. Okwu Nnabuike and other Igbo leaders in attendance, warned that any Eze found violating the order on the crowning of Eze Ndi-Igbo would be sanctioned.

The statement read in part: “Under the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo on November 15, 2015, it was agreed that the crowning of Eze Ndi-Igbo outside Igbo land is hereby prohibited until the final regulation and pronouncement by the apex body of Ndi Igbo leadership.

“None of the Ezes has any right whatsoever to use the appellations of the title: His Royal Majesty, His Royal Highness, His Highness and His Imperial Majesty. None of the Ezes has any right whatsoever to use such titles on their complimentary cards and signboards.”