By PETER ANOSIKE

The National Secretary, Association of Ndindu Ndigbo N’uzo Ije (Association of Igbo Leaders in Diaspora), High Chief Iheonu George Denis, has called on Igbo leaders in Osun State to shun partisan politics and focus on upholding Igbo culture and tradition.

High Chief George Denis, who is also the Onyendu Ndigbo in Ayedire in Osun State, said that the title of Onyendu Ndigbo is one of the most revered titles in Igbo tradition and as such should be respected and protected with integrity.

According to him, it is a cultural honour bestowed on distinguished Igbo leaders outside Igbo land, thereby making them custodians of Igbo culture, language, and traditions wherever they are in Diaspora.

He said that their primary responsibility is to replicate the practices of the ancestral monarchs, preserving the Igbo identity and ensuring that the children especially those who were born by mothers of different ethnic origins grow to appreciate the culture of their fathers.

High Chief George Denis said that in recent times, there has been a disturbing trend where some Ndindu Ndigbo in Diaspora have started dabbling into partisan politics.

His words: “For instan’e in Osun State, we saw where Onyendu openly led political rallies, raised the hands of politicians in endorsement, or seek financial inducements from political actors under the guise of representing the Igbo community. This is a dangerous path and a direct deviation from the noble Onyendu institution.”

According to him, Onyendu is a cultural and traditional leader and not a politician and as such once the person meddles in partisan politics, the integrity and neutrality of the office would be compromised and the respect that is attached to the office would greatly diminish.

Speaking on the things that Igbo leader should not get involved in, he said: “If an Onyendu aligns with a political party that eventually loses an election, the entire Igbo community in Osun risks discrimination, marginalization, and strained relations with the host community. The community should not bear the consequences of a leader’s personal ambition. The true responsibility of Onyendu is to advise, counsel, and guide the Igbo people in the state towards unity, peace, and prosperity—not to serve as campaign tools for politicians seeking power. Another very important thing is mismanagement of Resources: Onyendu are not meant to solicit or collect money from politicians in the name of the Igbo community. Funds meant for community welfare are to be received through the legitimate administrative heads such as the Chairman/President of the Igbo Community or Ohanaeze who are accountable to the people. Any Onyendu who personally collects such funds does so without the intention of delivering them to the people, and such acts must be strongly condemned.”

On the Position of Ndindu Ndigbo N’uzo Ije in Osun State, he said that the Association of Ndindu Ndigbo N’uzo Ije has resolved to take firm action against any Onyendu found to be engaging in partisan politics. According to him, such behavior is not only a betrayal of cultural trust but also a danger to the safety and acceptance of Ndigbo in Osun.

He said that the Onyendu institution is meant to be an institution of honor and not a political platform. He also said the collective survival and peaceful coexistence of Ndigbo in Osun demand that the leaders should remain apolitical and continue to serve as cultural ambassadors, custodians of tradition, and moral guides to our people.

“We therefore urge all Onyendu in Osun State to desist from political partisanship, avoid soliciting favors from politicians, and recommit themselves to the cultural duties entrusted to them. Only by doing so can we maintain the dignity of the Igbo throne outside Igbo land and protect the collective interest of our people,” High Chief Iheonu Denis said.