‘ONYE ISI NDIGBO’ CONTROVERSY : Eze Ndigbo Mushin, Eze Dr. Peter Umeh, Knocks Online Publication, Clarifies His Position, Says ” Iam Abiding By South – East Council Of Traditional Rulers Directives “

Eze Dr. Peter Umeh ,(JP), has kicked against a recent Online Newspaper Publication ( Names Withheld), which insinuated that he has renounced and ceased to be Eze Ndigbo in Mushin, following his adoption of a new phrase, ‘Onye isi Ndigbo’ .

Kicking against what he tagged ” Erroneous and deceptive Online Newspaper’s report, targeted at de- marketing me and suggesting that I have abdicated My position as Eze Ndigbo of Mushin”, Eze Umeh explained that he still remains an Eze in Mushin, but under a new phrase or name ” Onye iSi Ndigbo”.

In an exclusive interview with News Planet International, Eze Umeh , popularly known as “Jaganza”, clarified his position and stated that his adoption of ” ONYE – ISI – NDIGBO”, was in strict compliance with the suggestions and directives issued to all Ndieze in Lagos State by the South East Council Of Traditional Rulers, led by Eze Imo,His Royal Majesty , Eze E.C. Okeke.

Eze Umeh , who is also known as ‘Eze Chimereze 1’ and the National and International Chief Welfare Officer of the Association of Ndieze Ndigbo In Diaspora , stated that he saw nothing bad or wrong with the new Name , noting that it mean exactly the same thing as Eze Ndigbo , as both means Igbo Leader.

He revealed that delegates made up of Igbo Leaders and traditional Royal Fathers from the South East region, were hosted about four weeks ago at the Lagos State Continental Hotel, Victoria Island,by the Association of Ndieze in Diaspora , in continuation of the ongoing negotiation and deliberations towards sanitizing Eze Ndigbo institution in Diaspora .

At the said meeting , Eze Umeh , who was crowned Eze Ndigbo of Mushin over 18 years ago, stated that three names such as : ONYE ISI NDIGBO ; ONYE NDU NDIGBO and OCHI IGBO , were suggested to replace the Eze Ndigbo title, noting that some of the Ezes present at the meeting preferred Onye isi ndigbo .

According to him, though the contentious issue of name change for Ezes in diaspora, has been on the front burner for about 17 years now, however he regretted that all the Ezes were yet to agree on the new acronym .

On why he started using the new name before others, , Eze Chimereze, said that he decided to adopt it because he likes it.

He further explained that, ” the Ezes in diaspora ought to be partnering and Cooperating with Traditional Rulers, for the interest of the igbo race , as we cannot afford to contest or rebel against the directives of the Royal Fathers From the South East”.

He therefore enjoined his colleagues Ezes ,to adopt the new name, as it serves the same purpose and has the same meaning, responsibility and status.

While using the opportunity to invite , his friends, admirers, Igbo Sons and Daughters ,to his Ofala,Igbo Cultural Day and New Yam Festival , coming up this week Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Mushin, Lagos State, Eze Umeh , denied the report that it was as a result of arrest and detention of the President General, Igbo Speaking Community, Chief Sunday Udeh , the self acclaimed Obi of Lagos, Chief Chibuike Azubuike and others, that made him change his title

He Said ,”My taking the name “Onye iSi Ndigbo” is not and has nothing to do with the reported perceived threat and intimidation of Eze Ndigbo title holders in some Local Council areas in Lagos State”.

It would be recalled that the South – East Council Of Traditional Rulers, led by Eze E. C. Okeke, had months back directed Igbo Leaders in diaspora to cease bearing the Title of Eze Ndigbo.

Eze Okeke’s directive was not the first time such orders was issued, as Eze Ilomuanya during his tenure ,was said to have made similar pronouncement.