CRIDTTL Will Restore Igbo Leadership Integrity In Diaspora — Says Prince Ubochi

A fortnight ago, reports emerged that Prince Ubochi Ubochi may contest in the forthcoming Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide-directed election of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.

The news quickly went viral following publications by an Online Newspaper(Names Withheld), drawing widespread reactions from many quarters where Prince Ubochi is regarded as a fearless Igbo patriot known for his unwavering stance on justice, fairness, and equity.

The crew of News Planet International immediately sought to secure an exclusive interview with him.

However, due to his tight schedule and an urgent trip for a high-level meeting with the South East Council of Traditional Rulers (SECTR), the interview had to wait.

Upon his return to Lagos, our correspondent, Daniel Ohamadike, caught up with him in his palatial home at Royal Gardens Estate, Ajah, Lekki for a brief but insightful conversation. Excerpts:

Question :
Prince Ubochi, there have been reports about your recent trip outside Lagos. Can you tell us what the mission was about?

Answer :
Thank you very much. The trip was very important and necessary. I traveled alongside other leaders of the Committee on the Regularization of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Title and Leadership (CRIDTTL) for a strategic meeting with the South East Council of Traditional Rulers (SECTR). Our mission was to submit the first batch of screened and approved names of distinguished sons of Igboland who will be conferred with the title of Onyendu Ndigbo.

These traditional leaders in the diaspora are expected to serve as ambassadors of our revered traditional rulers back home. They will work in full collaboration with SECTR, the South East Governments, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and Ohanaeze Ndigbo of their local chapter.

I serve as Secretary of the Committee, which is chaired by Chief Barrister Charles Odunukwe, popularly known as Chardon Okemmiri of Oraukwu and Ijele of Igboland.

Question :
What should Ndi Igbo in the diaspora expect from this initiative and the meeting with SECTR?

Answer :
This initiative is historic and long overdue. Very soon, the Committee will officially unveil details of the conferment ceremony and all related activities. It is going to be a landmark event.

Our objective is clear; to put an end to the ugly incidents that have led to the loss of lives and destruction of properties of our people in the diaspora, largely caused by the now-banned practice of unauthorized coronation of so-called Igbo kings, popularly referred to as Eze Ndigbo.

This new structure is designed to restore dignity, order, and proper traditional representation for Ndi Igbo abroad.

Question :
There is also growing speculation that you may contest in the forthcoming Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State election ordered by the parent body. Will your name be on the ballot?

Answer :
At this point, I sincerely appeal to my aides to reduce the overzealousness. To my friends, supporters, and well-wishers in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State; please allow me focus on the important assignment before me; the correction of the abuse of our traditions by a few individuals whose actions have negatively affected our people in the diaspora.

For now, my concentration remains on this reform process. However, I can assure my promoters and supporters that whoever I eventually support for the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State President will be a person of integrity, someone who will place collective interest above selfish ambition.

Question :
What is your reaction to the controversies surrounding the election said to have been conducted in Lagos State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo?

Answer :
I strongly condemn the desperation displayed by some lawless members led by Mr. Solomon Ogbonna in going against a subsisting court order. For those who threw caution to the wind and contested the botched election despite warning from majority of members, the consequences are now hunting them. Of particular concern is my good friend Mr. Leo Okafor who continues to parade himself as President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State despite legal issues surrounding the election process. This is unfortunate and should stop.

Leadership must be built on respect for due process, rule of law, and the collective interest of the people.

Question :
Finally, should we expect more engagements from you in the near future?

Answer :
Certainly. This is only the beginning. I promise there will be a more detailed follow-up interview soon where many of these issues will be properly addressed for the benefit of Ndi Igbo both at home and in the diaspora.