South-East traditional rulers have renamed the diaspora Ezeigbo title to Ndinduigbo N’Uzo Ije, inducting 32 diaspora Igbo leaders into the mainstream traditional institution in a move aimed at strengthening unity and preserving Igbo heritage.
Traditional rulers from Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone have formally renamed the diaspora Ezeigbo title to Ndinduigbo N’Uzo Ije and inducted 32 diaspora Igbo leaders into the mainstream traditional rulership structure.
The ceremony, held on Friday at the Obi Eze Palace in Owerri, Imo State, was presided over by the Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Emma Okeke.
Okeke, who is also the traditional ruler of Amaifeke Autonomous Community in Orlu, described the induction and renaming as a significant milestone for the Igbo nation and a step toward strengthening peace, unity, and development across the South-East.
According to him, the event marked a historic moment for traditional leadership in Igboland and among Igbo communities abroad.
He said the gathering reflected a collective effort by traditional rulers and diaspora leaders to promote unity and preserve the dignity of Igbo traditional institutions.
Okeke stated that the initiative would help address longstanding concerns over the proliferation and alleged abuse of traditional titles among some diaspora communities.
He stressed that the new framework would reinforce traditional values, cultural norms, and established customs governing Igbo traditional leadership.
The traditional ruler also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, and leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide for supporting the occasion.
The event was chaired by John-Greg Okey, popularly known as Ezebuadi, who also serves as Chairman of the Council of Ndinduigbo N’Uzo Ije, Lagos State chapter.
Speaking at the event, Ezebuadi explained that the renaming was intended to resolve a longstanding nomenclature dispute between traditional rulers within the South-East and those representing Igbo communities outside the region.
He said the ceremony also provided formal recognition and certification for holders of the newly adopted title formerly known as Ezeigbo in diaspora.
According to him, more than 50 traditional rulers from across the South-East attended and endorsed the event, underscoring broad support for the initiative.
One of the inductees, Chukwudi Ihenetu, known as Ohazurume I of Igbos in Ghana, spoke on behalf of the newly recognised title holders and thanked South-East state governments and traditional rulers for facilitating the recognition process.
He described the development as a major step toward fostering stronger ties between Igbo communities at home and in the diaspora.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
