KINGSLEY EBERE
Finally, the names of the 24 former Ezendigbo title holders in Lagos State, who renounced their positions to become “Onyendu”, have been released.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the names were revealed by their new leader, Chief Uche Dimgba Okpotemba, who now uses Onyendu Gburugburu.
The ex-monarchs gave up the Ezendigbo title last Friday at the Imo State Traditional Rulers Parliament Building inside Ezeimo Palace, Owerri.
The move followed the ban on the Ezendigbo title in the diaspora by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The palace hall was filled to capacity as dignitaries from across the South East witnessed the event. The ceremony was led by the Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Eze Dr E.C. Okeke, CFR.
During the event, the first batch of former Eze Ndigbo title holders were inaugurated as “Ndi Ndu Ndigbo in Diaspora”.
The 24 ex-Eze Ndigbo from Lagos State:
1. Uche Dimgba “Okpotenba” – Ikeja
2. Pat Eneh – Badagry
3. Ikem Agbasi – Isolo
4. Dr Alex S.M. Nwoye – Ejigbo
5. Gaby Emeka Dimude – Apapa
6. Ezebuadi Okey John Greg – Iba LCDA
7. Gerald Onuchukwu – Eti-Osa LGA
8. Peter Olikenyi – Otta-Awori LCDA
9. Umeh Peter Chukwudi – Mushin
10. Okpaga Emenike Itsum – Ebonyi in Lagos
11. Damion Omumuka – Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA
12. Dike Steve Chukwuemeka – Ikotun-Igando LCDA
13. Augustine Sunday Ojukwu – Amuwo-Odofin LCDA
14. Enwemadu Livinus Chimezie – Igbogbo-Bayeku LCDA
15. Chris Offia Chukwuemeka – Ibeju-Lekki LGA
16. Paul Odidika – Alimosho LGA
17. Nduka Reginald Ekoh – Olorunda LCDA
18. Remi Ndukuba Anyamele – Ikosi-Isheri LCDA
19. Augustine Ebisi – Ojodu LCDA
20. Amb. Emeka Ugwakome – Iru/Victoria Island
21. Sir Stephen Etolue – Badagry LGA
22. Prince Charles Ukeje – Ojokoro LCDA
23. Samuel Udoh – Egbe/Idimu LCDA
24. Chief Godwin Okafor – Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.
The event drew prominent traditional rulers from the South East, including: HRH Igwe Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu CFR, Coordinator, South East Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Linus Nto Mbah, Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Eze Dr Lucky Okoro PhD, Secretary, Imo State and South East Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Igwe C.E. Nnaegbula, Member, Ethics Committee; and HRH Eze Joseph Nwabekee, former Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers.
According to Igbo leaders at the event, the key difference between “Onyendu” and “Ezendigbo” in the diaspora is role. Ezendigbo title holders were custodians of Igbo culture and tradition. Onyendu, on the other hand, will function as community leaders, similar to union leaders, without cultural custodianship.
The implication is that Onyendu may not perform the traditional rights like new yam festival. The only recognized Ezendigbo now is the ones crowned by the Igbo Speaking community.
