FROM SAMSON ALFA, MINNA
Igbo communities in Niger State have rechristened Eze Ndigbo as Onye-Ndu.
Following the new development the state chapter of Igbo communities has been given three months to any Igbo man operating under the nomenclature of “Eze-ndigbo”, to adopt the new order, “Onye-ndu”, to avoid sanctions.
According to a statement made available to AljazirahNigeria in Minna , the Ohaneze- Ndigbo Elders Council has also abolished the use of tittle of “Royal highness,”and Royal Majesty”, urging Igbo tittle holders in the state to adhere to the directive.
The new order is contained in the statement jointly signed by the BOT/ Elders Council chairman, Chief Joseph Chukwuemeka Onuigbo and the president of Ohaneze Indigbo, Niger State Chapter, Chief Emanuel Ezeugo in Minna last Sunday.
The group, however, warned that any titled holder of Igbo extraction in any part of Niger State who failed to comply with the new order, ‘”Onye-ndu Ndigbo”, meaning “Leader of Ndigbo”, will no longer be accorded traditional title rights at any Igbo gathering after expiration of the three months deadline.
“This is inline with the South East Traditional Rulers’ Council abolition of Eze Ndigbo title outside Igbo land, the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Niger State chapter wishes to call on members to strictly adhere to the new order”.
They further explained that the eastern states traditional rulers “Eze title”, is reserved for traditional rulers recognized by the governments in South East states, and cannot be given to persons residing outside Igbo communities”.
Meanwhile a new leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo has emerged to pilot the affairs of the apex Igbo cultural association in Niger State which will lead till the next four years following an election which took place in Bida, last weekend.
During the election, Dr. Martins Orji emerged President-elect, Barrister Sebastien Ogbogo, Pastor Dan Okoro Treasurer, and Ikechukwu Agbo, Auditor.
