History was made in Owerri, Imo State recently as the protracted crisis between the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the holders of Eze Ndigbo titles in Diaspora was amicably resolved.

According to a statement at the end of the event held at the palace of the chairman of South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, more than 35 major actors projecting Eze Ndigbo in the diaspora came from states like Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti for the meeting on May 29.

The statement noted that at the end of the deliberations, the progenitors of Ezendigbo in the diaspora agreed to drop the title of ‘Ezendigbo’ and take up the title of ‘Onye-ndu/Ndi-ndu Ndigbo’ (Igbo leaders).

“The former Ezes were issued with certificates of recognition as Ndindu Ndigbo in the diaspora, marking an end of the era of Eze Ndigbo. The newly installed and certified Ndindu Ndigbo came from various parts of the country and beyond, including Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti and Ghana, after undergoing a process of thorough registration and screening, well-orchestrated by the Committee on Regularisation of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Title and Leadership.

“All those who received certificates of recognition from the South East Council of Traditional Rulers form the first batch. The second batch is in view and so it will continue until all those found worthy of the honour are completed,” the statement read in part.

Speaking at the event, High Chief Aloy Obi, the Onye Ndu Ndigbo in Oyo State, expressed satisfaction at the turn of events.

High Chief Obi, who is also the chairman of Ndi-ndu Ndigbo (Igbo leaders) in the diaspora said, henceforth, Igbo leaders outside Igbo land would be speaking with one voice.

He commended the roles played by Onyendu Greg Ezebuadi and Onyendu Uche Dimgba, both from Lagos State, who were once Eze Ndigbo in the diaspora in making the truce a reality.

“I put in my time and resources, which, by the grace of God has resulted in this success we are celebrating today, and I am not relenting till all those concerned in all parts of the world come under the umbrella of Ndindu Ndigbo, as directed by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers. This success story will not be complete without a special recognition of the Regularisation of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Title and Leadership Committee for their time, wealth of experience and resources invested in the project so far.

“A special recognition goes to the committee’s chairman, High Chief Charles Odumukwe (Ijele Ndigbo), who put in his all, leadership, time, enormous resources and conducive environment all through and still counting; Prince Uboshi Onowu, the secretary, who displayed discipline, steadfastness and high level organisational prowess and all the members of the committee, who are distinguished and wonderful people. May God grant them everything needed to continue this process of bringing sanity to Igbo diaspora titles and leadership,” Chief Obi said.

He also commended the South East Council of Traditional Rulers for their understanding and fatherly role, especially their chairman, Eze Okeke, who took the project as a mandate from God and did everything possible to ensure a peaceful and successful resolution of the matter. (The Sun)

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