Igbo monarchs have declared that any individual falsely parading himself as Eze Ndigbo outside his ancestral community will face prosecution in line with Igbo customs and traditions.

The Deputy Chairman of the Imo State Community Policing Council and National President of the Association of Royal Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, HRH Eze Dr. Thomas Obiefule, stated this to Nigerian Tribune in Owerri on Sunday.

The Paramount Ruler of the Umudioka Royal Dynasty in Orlu LGA of Imo State explained that this measure aims to uphold the dignity and sanctity of the Igbo traditional institution in the country.

He said: “It is ridiculous and embarrassing for any Igbo son to parade himself as ‘Eze Ndigbo’ wherever he resides while his community has a duly recognized traditional ruler. We can no longer tolerate this act of indiscipline and disrespect towards the Igbo traditional institution. Henceforth, whoever engages in this despicable act will be penalized.”

Obiefule, who is a patron and member of the Imo State Traditional Rulers Council, added that a new mechanism has been put in place to ensure that all traditional rulers in Imo State reside in their respective communities among their subjects.

He also declared that the teaching and learning of the Igbo language are now compulsory in both primary and secondary schools in Imo State.

As the longest-serving traditional ruler in the Imo State Council of Ndi-Eze, he cautioned against the proliferation of autonomous communities in the South East.

Eze Obiefule, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Adekunle Ajasin National Scholarship Scheme, criticized Igbo monarchs who address Igbo gatherings in foreign languages, warning that “posterity will not forgive us if we allow our language and culture to go into extinction.”

On the security situation in the state, the first-class traditional ruler said:

“My kingdom is very quiet and calm. Since insecurity began to rear its ugly head, the Isu clan, which has 11 autonomous communities, has remained peaceful. I mean the Orlu Gedegwum, and I am the chief security officer in Orlu zone. All the traditional rulers in Orlu zone are actively involved in weeding out criminal elements from their areas in collaboration with vigilante groups and security agencies.”

His Imperial Majesty commended the South East Governors for establishing the Ebubeagu security outfit, which, he noted, has significantly reduced criminal activities in the region.

The Monarch also praised Governor Hope Uzodimma for his determined efforts to advance the state.

His Imperial Majesty, Eze Dr. T.A. Obiefule

(Sunday Tribune)