South-East monarchs inaugurate Ndindu Ndigbo in Lagos, recognise Diaspora leaders

Michael Olumide Alabi

South-East traditional rulers have inaugurated the Lagos State chapter of Ndindu Ndigbo and presented certificates of authenticity and recognition to newly appointed Igbo diaspora leaders known as Onyedu Ndigbo, in a move aimed at addressing controversies surrounding traditional titles among Igbo communities outside the South-East.

The inauguration took place on Saturday in Lagos, following a decision by the Committee on the Regularisation of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Title and Leadership (CRIDTTL).

The initiative, which the organisers said was backed by the South-East Governors’ Forum and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, seeks to establish a recognised leadership framework for Igbo communities in the diaspora while promoting peaceful coexistence with their host communities.

Speaking at the event, the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi), urged the newly recognised leaders to demonstrate transparency, honesty and humility in carrying out their responsibilities.

He said adherence to these values would strengthen unity within the Igbo community and foster harmonious relationships with other ethnic groups and traditional institutions in their host communities.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Imo State and South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze E. C. Okeke, congratulated the newly inaugurated leaders and explained that the regularisation exercise was designed to address persistent disputes over the adoption of the title Eze Ndigbo in different parts of Nigeria.

According to him, the practice had, in some instances, generated tensions between individuals presenting themselves as Igbo traditional rulers and recognised traditional institutions in their host communities.

He charged the newly recognised leaders to uphold integrity, remain committed to responsible leadership and maintain zero tolerance for corruption.

“I expect nothing short of the best from you in your respective communities,” he said.

As part of the exercise, Chief John-Greg Okey Ezebuadi was recognised and installed as Chairman of the Ndindu Ndigbo, Lagos State chapter. He is expected to coordinate the organisation’s leadership structure across the state’s local government areas and local council development areas.

In his remarks, Ezebuadi expressed appreciation to the South-East governors for their support and appealed for increased financial assistance and institutional backing to strengthen the organisation’s activities.

He said greater support would enhance Ndindu Ndigbo’s efforts to promote peace, preserve Igbo culture and traditions, and advance the welfare of Igbo people living outside their homeland.

The Secretary of CRIDTTL, Prince Ubochi Ubochi, explained that the initiative was introduced to address the proliferation of traditional titles adopted by Igbo groups in different parts of the country.

He said the previous arrangement had contributed to disagreements between some diaspora leaders and the established traditional institutions of their host communities.

According to him, the new framework is intended to ensure that Igbo diaspora leaders operate within a recognised and structured system that emphasises responsibility and accountability.

Also speaking, Onyedu Ndigbo in Rivers State, Onyedu Okolo, welcomed the change in nomenclature, arguing that the title Onyedu Ndigbo places greater emphasis on service and responsibility rather than royalty.

He noted that disagreements over the use of the title Eze Ndigbo had persisted for years and expressed support for efforts to establish a more uniform leadership structure.

In a related remark, Onyendu Agbasi said activities and ceremonies organised under the title Eze Ndigbo in Lagos would no longer be recognised under the new arrangement.

He stated that enforcement of the directive would commence on October 4, 2026, and urged individuals who had been using the title to seek legitimate means of livelihood.

Agbasi also criticised the practice of crowning multiple individuals as kings within the same streets, alleging that some had turned such activities into sources of income.

The organisers said the regularisation exercise was intended to clarify the leadership structure of Igbo communities in the diaspora, reduce disputes and encourage respect for the traditional institutions of host communities.

Among the traditional rulers and dignitaries present were the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi); HRM Eze Dr E. C. Okeke; HRM Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzor; HRM Eze Linus Mbah; HRM Igwe Chidubem Iweka; and HRM Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu, alongside other guests.