CRIDTTL Has Laid A Solid Foundation For Igbo Diaspora Leadership – Says Prince Ubochi

In this interview with Our Correspondent Daniel Ohamadike , the Secretary of the Committee on the Regularization of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Titles & Leadership (CRIDTTL), Prince Ubochi Ubochi, reflects on the successful induction of the first batch of Onyendu Ndigbo by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers (SECTR) and pays tribute to the Committee members whose commitment made the historic exercise possible, Excerpts :Question:The South East Council of Traditional Rulers recently inducted about 32 Onyendu Ndigbo in Owerri.

How significant is this development?Prince Ubochi Ubochi:The induction of the first batch of Onyendu Ndigbo on 29th May 2026 by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers is one of the most significant developments in the recent history of Igbo diaspora leadership.

It marks the successful implementation of a well-conceived initiative aimed at restoring order, legitimacy, accountability, and cultural authenticity to the leadership structure of Ndigbo living outside Igbo land.For many years, concerns existed regarding the proliferation of unregulated traditional titles and conflicting claims to authority in various parts of the diaspora.

The Onyendu institution now provides a credible and culturally appropriate framework through which deserving Igbo sons and daughters can serve as recognized community leaders and cultural ambassadors in their respective domains.Question:What role did CRIDTTL play in achieving this milestone?Prince Ubochi Ubochi:CRIDTTL was established on 14th February 2026 by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers with a clear mandate to regularize, screen, vet, and recommend qualified persons for recognition as Onyendu Ndigbo.The Committee undertook extensive consultations and engagements.

We received applications from different parts of Nigeria and the diaspora, conducted screenings, reviewed credentials, examined community involvement, and carefully assessed the character, leadership capacity, and reputation of applicants before making recommendations to SECTR.

I must state that this achievement was a collective effort and the result of the dedication of every member of the Committee.Our Chairman, Chief Charles Odunukwe (OON), Ijele Ndigbo Gburugburu, provided exceptional leadership throughout the process.

His wealth of experience, deep understanding of Igbo traditional institutions, and unwavering commitment to the mandate of SECTR gave the Committee the direction and confidence required to accomplish its assignment successfully.

As Secretary, I had the privilege of coordinating the Committee’s activities, documentation, stakeholder engagements, and communication processes, but the success we celebrate today belongs to the entire team.Question:Who are the individuals behind this success?Prince Ubochi Ubochi:I believe it is important to acknowledge those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Apart from our Chairman, Chief Charles Odunukwe (OON), Ijele Ndigbo Gburugburu, and myself as Secretary, the Committee was strengthened by highly respected and committed members drawn from across the South East.

High Chief Linus Igbudu, who represented Enugu State, brought maturity, wisdom, and extensive community leadership experience to the deliberations of the Committee.Hon. Uzoma Ani, representing Ebonyi State, played a significant role in ensuring objectivity, fairness, and due diligence throughout the screening process.

Prince Tony Nwakeze, representing Anambra State, contributed immensely through his strategic insights, stakeholder engagement skills, and commitment to preserving the dignity of Igbo traditional institutions.

Mr. Russell Duru, representing Imo State, was equally dedicated and made valuable contributions toward the evaluation and assessment of applicants.

I must also recognize Prince Ejituru Ikenga, the former representative of Abia State, whose contributions during the formative stages of the Committee helped balance the Committee’s work.Together, these distinguished individuals worked selflessly and harmoniously in pursuit of a common objective; to ensure that only credible, respected, and community-oriented individuals would be recommended for the Onyendu title.Question:Would you say the Committee achieved its objective?Prince Ubochi Ubochi:Without hesitation, yes.

The induction of thirty-two distinguished Igbo leaders by SECTR is evidence that the Committee successfully discharged its mandate. These individuals emerged through a process that prioritized character, service, leadership, and commitment to the welfare of Ndigbo.

The Committee was not interested in titles for their own sake. Our focus was on identifying individuals who have earned the respect of their communities and who possess the capacity to serve as worthy ambassadors of Igbo culture and values wherever they reside.Question:What were some of the challenges encountered?Prince Ubochi Ubochi:One of the greatest challenges was maintaining high standards while ensuring fairness and inclusiveness.

The Committee understood from the beginning that every recommendation made would ultimately reflect on both CRIDTTL and the South East Council of Traditional Rulers.For this reason, we insisted on rigorous screening and detailed assessments.

Difficult questions were asked, extensive discussions were held, and decisions were taken based on merit rather than sentiment.I am proud that the Committee remained faithful to its mandate and resisted any pressure that could have compromised the credibility of the exercise.Question:What message do you have for the newly inducted Onyendu Ndigbo?Prince Ubochi Ubochi:The title of Onyendu is first and foremost a responsibility.

Those inducted have been entrusted with the noble duty of promoting peace, unity, cultural preservation, community development, and constructive engagement among Ndigbo in their respective locations.

They must always remember that they are ambassadors of the Igbo nation and representatives of the values, traditions, and aspirations of our people.

Leadership must be demonstrated through service, humility, integrity, and commitment to the common good.Question:Any final thoughts?Prince Ubochi Ubochi:On behalf of the Committee, I wish to express profound gratitude to the South East Council of Traditional Rulers for the confidence reposed in CRIDTTL.

I particularly commend our Chairman, Chief Charles Odunukwe (OON), Ijele Ndigbo Gburugburu, whose visionary leadership guided the Committee through every stage of this historic exercise.I also pay tribute to High Chief Linus Igbudu, Hon.

Uzoma Ani, Prince Tony Nwakeze and Mr. Russell Duru for their dedication, sacrifice, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the success of the assignment.The successful induction of the first batch of Onyendu Ndigbo has laid a solid foundation for the future.

The standards established by CRIDTTL will continue to guide subsequent exercises as the Committee expands its work across Nigeria and the global diaspora.

We congratulate the newly inducted Onyendu Ndigbo and encourage them to remain worthy custodians of the trust placed in them.Indeed, this is not only a victory for CRIDTTL and SECTR; it is a victory for Ndigbo worldwide and a major step toward preserving the dignity, integrity, and authenticity of Igbo traditional institutions for generations to come.