New Traditional Ruler Elected for Igbo Community in Niger State
The Igbo community in Niger State has taken a significant step forward with the election of a new traditional ruler to guide the affairs of the Igbo residents within the state. This development comes under the leadership of Ohaneze-Ndigbo Niger, an organization representing the interests of the Igbo people.
According to reports, the newly elected leader is Pastor Solomon Ezumah. His appointment marks a shift in the traditional structure of leadership among the Igbo people, particularly for those residing outside the core Igbo-speaking regions. The Ohaneze-Ndigbo worldwide has decided that Igbo title holders living outside Igbo land will no longer be referred to as “Eze-Igbo” but instead as “Onye-ndu.” This change reflects a broader effort to recognize and respect the cultural and traditional boundaries of the Igbo people.
Under this new arrangement, Ezumah has become the first “Onye-ndu Ndigbo” in Niger State from the South Eastern Traditional Rulers’ Council. This council was responsible for abolishing the “Eze-Igbo” title for those living outside the traditional Igbo homeland. Ezumah’s official unveiling by the ‘Ime-obi,’ which is considered the highest decision-making body according to Igbo custom and tradition, signifies a new era for the Igbo community in the region.
Building on Age-Long Relationships
In his remarks following the unveiling, Ezumah expressed his commitment to strengthening the long-standing relationship between the Ndigbo and the host tribes in the Bida Emirate Council. This relationship dates back to 1902, when the Igbo people began settling in the area. According to Ezumah, the Ndigbo and the Nupe-speaking people of Niger, along with other tribes within the Bida Emirate, have co-existed in mutual respect and understanding for many years.
He noted that historically, 97% of the Igbo population in the area were engaged in trade and commerce, while only 2% were professionals or civil servants. Ezumah emphasized that there has never been a reported case of an Igbo man being killed in the region, highlighting the peaceful coexistence between the communities.
Acknowledging Local Leadership
Ezumah also paid tribute to the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar. He praised the accommodating nature of the Nupe people, which he said the Igbo community in the area is leveraging to build stronger ties.
Encouragement from Outgoing Leader
The outgoing President of Ohaneze-Ndigbo in Niger State, Chief Emmanuel Ezeugo, addressed the gathering during the unveiling ceremony. He urged the Igbo community to respect the traditions, culture, and religion of their hosts. Ezeugo encouraged the new Onye-ndu ndigbo to show love and ensure that every Igbo man, woman, and child is included in all decisions made for the benefit of the people.
He reminded the community that the Igbo people are known for their enterprising and hardworking nature. Ezeugo urged them to be good ambassadors of the Igbo race in all their endeavors, not only within the Bida Emirate Council but across the entire state of Niger.