Sequel to the controversy surrounding the “Eze Ndi Igbo” title which has reportedly been abused and misused by leaders of Igbo groups in the Diaspora, the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers (SECTR) has released an approved title for leaders of Igbo groups and communities residing outside Igboland.
This was contained in a release signed by HRM, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Mni, CFR, Obi Of Onitsha Leader, SECTR, HRM, Eze (Dr) E.C. Okeke, CFR (Eze Imo) Chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers (SECTR) and Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, Igwe Charles Mkpuma Chairman, Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, Igwe Samuel Asadu Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM. Eze Linus Nto Mbah, Chairman. Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The release captioned, “RESOLUTION OF SOUTHEAST COUNCIL OF TRADITIONAL RULERS (SECTR) ON THE APPROVED TITLE FOR IGBO LEADERS IN DIASPORA”, reads in part, “we bring good tidings from the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and wish you well in your endeavors.
It is pertinent to use this medium to express our gratitude to you on your invaluable roles you and your group have been playing in unifying Ndigbo in Diaspora and your selfless services to humanity.
We are particularly impressed with your commitment to ensure peaceful co-existence of Ndigbo with their host Communities in their Countries or States of residence. Your interest and commitment towards the promotion of Igbo Culture and Tradition are highly commendable and appreciated as they speak volumes of your love for Ndigbo, our Cultural heritage and tradition.
We are glad to inform you that South East Council of Traditional Rulers after several meetings, deliberations and due considerations has approved ” Onye Ndu Ndigbo” (Igbo Leader in Diaspora) as the most appropriate name or title for whoever is the Head of Ndigbo in any place abroad or Diaspora within and outside Nigeria. Consequently, all Igbo leaders abroad or in Diaspora are to revert to this approved and agreed title with immediate effect. Similarly, all signposts, letterheads, complimentary cards etc should accordingly be designed to reflect this.
We are obviously on the same page working assiduously to safeguard and promote our cherished culture and tradition”.
