…Elects New Leadership to Pilot Affairs for 4 Years
In compliance with the directive of the South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council abolishing the use of the title Eze-Ndigbo outside core Igbo-speaking states, the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Niger State Chapter, has issued a three-month ultimatum to all Igbo title holders in the state to adopt the new nomenclature, Onye-Ndu (meaning “Leader”), or face sanctions.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees/Elders Council, Chief Joseph Chukwuemeka Onuigbo, and the newly elected President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Niger State Chapter, Chief Emmanuel Ezeugo, and made available to journalists in Minna on Sunday.
Chukwuemeka also announced the abolition of the use of “Royal Highness” and “Royal Majesty” among all Igbo title holders in Niger State, in line with the resolution of the South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council.
According to the him, any titled Igbo person in Niger State who fails to comply with the new order within the stipulated period will cease to enjoy traditional recognition at any Igbo gathering thereafter.
“In line with the South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council’s decision abolishing the Eze-Ndigbo title outside Igbo land, the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Niger State Chapter, calls on all members to strictly adhere to the new order,” the statement read.
The traditional rulers in the South-East had earlier resolved that the title “Eze” is reserved exclusively for monarchs officially recognized by the governments of the South-East states and should not be conferred on persons residing outside Igbo communities.
Meanwhile, a new executive council of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Niger State Chapter, has been elected to steer the affairs of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization for the next four years.
At the election held over the weekend in Bida, headquarters of Bida Local Government Area, Dr. Martins Orji emerged as President-elect, while Barrister Sebastien Ogbogo was elected as Secretary. Pastor Dan Okoro emerged Treasurer, and Ikechukwu Agbo was elected Auditor.
The new leadership, according to the Elders Council, is expected to promote unity, cultural preservation, and peaceful coexistence among Igbo residents in Niger State while ensuring compliance with the new traditional order.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
