Entrepreneur Okparaku Faults ‘Onyendu Ndigbo Title’, Queries South-East Monarchs

The last May not have been heard on the recent controversial change of nomenclature cum rebranding and re-certification of some erstwhile Eze Ndigbo in diaspora as “Onyendu Ndigbo”.

The latest criticism is coming from a notable but prominent Igbo captain of Industry, International Manufacturer and vocal leader, Eze Boniface Chukwudi Okparaku, fondly called “Eze Chukwu Kwadoro Ndigbo”.

Speaking on the raging controversy ,Eze Okparaku, who is the Eze Ndigbo in Abaranje/ Okerube area of Ikotun in Lagos State , dismissed the purported ban of the hitherto Ezendigbo in Diaspora title by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, SECTR, describing the controversial porting from Ezendigbo to” Onyendu Ndigbo “, as a sham.

The ORSU LGA ,Imo State born Igbo Leader, popularly known as “Amuruonyenaego” of Ihetenansa, who also was recently honoured and bestowed with the title of Bobaselu of Ikotun land by the Oba of Ikotun, His Royal Majesty ,Oba Azeez Gbadabiu Ishola, Asiwaju 1 Of Ikotun Land, queried the motive and interest of the present leadership of the Royal Fathers from South East ,for insisting on changing the ceremonial Ezendigbo diaspora title to “Onyendu Ndigbo”.

While correcting what he called erroneous narratives being circulated by the Purveyors of Onyendu Ndigbo Title, he said thus : “As I grew up, I heard about Ezendigbo in Kano, Sokoto, and other states in northern Nigeria, but I never heard of Onyendu Ndigbo” .

Fuming over what he called unnecessary acrimony being generated by the purported Nomenclature change , Bobaselu of Ikotun, queried South East Royal Fathers , saying, “I would like to ask the Southeast Traditional Council of Ndi Eze what their interest is in our ceremonial Ezendigbo in the diaspora. Can they achieve what these individuals do for Ndigbo ? Why are they causing trouble? “, he asked .

Educating the peddlers of Onyendu Ndigbo title, Ozo Amuruonyenaego explained that there are prevailing requirements for installing Eze Ndigbo in diaspora, noting that, “The selection process for Ezendigbo involves obtaining an attestation letter from the traditional ruler of one’s community, being a man of impeccable character, being married, and having verifiable means of livelihood, One must not parade oneself as an Eze in their ancestral home and must be loyal to their Eze at all times”.

He accused few questionable and self acclaimed Igbo leaders in Lagos, who he said are desperate for the vacant “Eze Ndigbo of Lagos title”, for being behind the clamour for nomenclature change.

He said : ” it is disconcerting that some individuals in Lagos, desperate to become Ezendigbo of lagos by any means, colluded with Eze Ndi Eze in Owerri ,to obtain a certificate as Onyendu Ndigbo. This is shameful and laughable. I suggest verifying the character of these individuals, and you will understand who they are”.

Threatening to expose the power hungry individuals he alleged are behind the Onyendu Ndigbo sham, he said “I and other Ezendigbo plan to hold a press conference to expose those behind this charade”.

Expressing his appreciation to the numerous Royal Fathers from South East, who he revealed have distanced themselves from the nomenclature Change , he prayed God to bless them all”.

Gladdened by the support Eze Ndigbo in Diaspora titles are receiving from many Royal Fathers in the South East, he re – echoed a popular mantra, saying ” Igbo nwere mmadu”.

He said ,”My respect to some of the traditional rulers in the Southeast for their understanding and maturity they exhibit regarding the Ezendigbo title. Some of them are indeed wise. Quite unlike those of them who want to throw us under the bus”.

He reiterated his position that Ezendigbo in Diaspora is ceremonial. Enjoining the unwary minds to Let that fact sink.

Vowing not to join the bandwagon of Ndindu title holders, he said ,”I will remain Ezendigbo and not Onyendu. Im not going to join them . One thing they forgot is that soldier goes, and soldier comes .It is Eze Emmanuel Okeke today as Chairman of SECTR and tomorrow there will be another Eze Ndi Eze”, he said .

Speaking on his different Internet breaking attires, dressing modes and why he dresses the why he does, Eze Okparaku humorously said , ” Sometimes, I dress in a ‘boyoyo’ style, while at other times, I dress like the Chief of Kings. Nevertheless, the truth is that I enjoy dressing well to match my personality. My goal is not to show off but to satisfy my inner self”.

On his capacity and business, Amuruonyenaego, explained that ,” Before becoming Ezendigbo, I had already established myself and built several businesses, including Amuruonyenaego Farms Ltd Bonchudi group of companies Ltd , Pacific Transport, and others”.

Finally Clarifying his position on Igbo leadership in Lagos , he said , “iam not desperate to become Ezendigbo of lagos, but iam desperate to see the igbos in lagos state succeed.I stand ‘gidigba’ for ground”, he said.