The South East Council of Traditional Rulers has outlawed the use of the title “Eze Ndigbo” by Igbo leaders outside the region.
This was contained in a letter to the chairman of Igbo Leaders in the Diaspora (Onye-isi Ndindu Nsigbo) and signed by the chairman of the council, HRM Eze E.C. Okeke.
It asked them to revert to the title of “Ndindu Ndigbo” immediately.
According to the council, “Eze” is a revered traditional title reserved by culture, tradition and legislation for traditional rulers recognized by governments in the South East states.’
It added that “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 forbearers, progenitors and ancestors. You may wish to know that issues associated with the selection and enthronement of a traditional ruler are deeply rooted in certain rituals, divinations, and sacred ceremonies 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 to perform his statutory cultural and traditional roles in his community as the traditional ruler.
The council argued that 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”.
It stated that clarification became very necessary to enable the chairman and his colleagues to know the difference between genuine Igbo traditional rulers and their subjects who are Lgbo leaders in the Diaspora.
It said that the celebration of cultural festivals of Igbo outside Igboland 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, adding that invitation to attend such festivals may be extended to any or some Igbo recognized traditional rulers to add colour and glamour to the occasion.
It consequently advised all Igbo leaders abroad or in the Diaspora to revert the title of “Ndindu Ndigbo” with immediate effect.
Similarly, it said all signposts, letterheads, complimentary cards, etc should be designed to reflect the title change.
However, the council expressed happiness with the commitment to ensure the peaceful co-existence of Ndigbo with their host communities in their countries of residence by Igbo leaders in the Diaspora.
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