By: Tolulope Oluwole
It was a gathering of Crème De La Crème in the traditional institution especially traditional heads of Ndigbo across Ondo State and His Highness Igwe Dr Boniface Ibekwe Ezedioranma, when on Saturday July 9, 2022 converged on the palace of the Asiwaju Ndigbo of Akure Kingdom, Chief (Dr) Ezeorji Titus-Umenweke at Ijoka area of the Ondo State capital to inaugurate and install 20 council members of Asiwaju Ndigbo.
Igbo community across Ondo State and beyond rolled out drums to welcome His Highness, Igwe Dr Boniface Ibekwe Ezedioranma, who is the Eze Ndigbo in Kano, President-General of Association of Eze Ndigbo in Diaspora and National Chairman Inter-Tribal Traditional Leaders Association of Nigeria, who came to Ondo State to solidarise and stamp the recognition of the Asiwaju Ndigbo of Akureland, Chief (Dr) Titus Umeweke as Traditional Head of Igbo people in the State capital and beyond.
To this end, the Igbo community in Ondo State have been enjoined to exhibit peace by respecting the laws of the land and extend hand of fellowship to other ethnic groups in the town.
They were also urged to be loyal to the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi who recognized Igbos’ huge roles in socio-economic development of Akure and the State at large.
The Eze Ndigbo in Kano state who is also the President General of the Eze Ndigbo in diaspora, Dr Boniface Ibekwe gave the charge during the installation of 20 council members of Asiwaju Ndigbo in Akure.
He commended the Igbos living in Akure for their solidarity, promising that there will be progress in Akure.
Ibekwe while appealing to the Igbos to always embrace peace, said Igbos always develop anywhere they are and live in peace.
“Wherever we find ourselves, we always develop the place and live in peace there.
“So, we must make sure we respect the law of this land and extend our hands of fellowship to other ethnic nationalities living in this town.
“I know Asiwaju Umenweke will make Ndigbo proud because to whom much is given, much is expected. Whatever it will cost to bring our people together to make peace in this state. It’s an assignment I’m giving to him, please, do the needful,” he stated.
Dr Ibekwe who is also the chairman, Intra Tribal Traditional Leaders association of Nigeria commended the Deji of Akure for recognizing Igbo and at the same time for the honour given to Ibos in general.
“I believe the Asiwaju Ndigbo (Chief Umenweke) will live up to expectations by ensuring there is peace in this town.”
He also appreciated the people on Ondo state for everything they have done for the Ibos.
In his remarks, the Asiwaju of Ndigbo, Dr Titus Umenweke stated that his new position was a service to God and humanity and not to boast around.
Chief Umenweke promised to make sure that peace reigns no matter the people involved, stressing that he will do what was expected of him and carry everyone along.
The Asiwaju Ndigbo who advised Igbo community to continue peacefully with other tribes, thanked Dr Ibekwe for gracing the historic event in Akure.
On his part, Chief Okon Okechukwu, who is the second in command to the Asiwaju Ndigbo, said he felt fulfilled to be installed as the second in command.
He added that he is ready to serve his people with all he has and also, work and support the new Asiwaju and other council members.
Also speaking, one of the Asiwaju Ndigbo council members, Dr Ayola said that he will use his post to bring people together, work together with the Asiwaju for the development of the people and the town.
Below are members of Asiwaju Ndigbo Council;
- High chief Okorie Okechukw Festus as Onowu Onwa Gburugburu.
- Mazi Ikonne Chinyere Kingsley as Enyioha 1 and the Council executive secretary.
- Chief Ezekwere Pius Chibuzo as Aha Eji Ejemba. This first tree names and the ASIWAJU NDI IGBO are referred as the Supreme Council members.
- Maduako Sunday Onyekachi as Igbo Adina Nma.
- Innocent Ejike Ilo. As Ilohanwata.
- Mr. Onyekachi Dike as, Eze -N’obi Edda.
- Chief Abazie as, Oche Ndu.
- Sir, Silas Nwogu as, Eze- Nnajiofor.
- Mr. Kenneth Ulor as, Onobinnaya.
- Dr. Chief Ayola Okike as, Nderi Atuegwu
- Mr. Stephen Mbachu as, Omenyiri.
- Mr. Ikechukwu Leo Ani as, Nwachinemere.
- Chief Ogbonna Chukwu as, Chinyerugo
- Mr. Stanley Eke as, Alagboso.
- Mazi Ezechinyere Okeoma as, Ubochi Amurudike namba.
- Mr. Kenneth Emenyuo as, Dike Eriariri.
- Mr. Augustus Nwokocha as, Umunna Nwezuaku.
- Chief Celestine Ifeanyichukwu Nwosu as, Nwachinemere.
- Mr. Peter Nwali as, Udo-Jimba.
- Mr Okechukwu Hillary Oparaure as, Chimeremeze.
