OPINION
Deji of Akure: Eze Ndi Igbo is Protected by the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria
By Emmanuel Ejinima

The media in the past recent days have gone into frenzy due to a seeming misunderstanding between the Deji of Akure, apparently the paramount traditional ruler in Akure, the capital city of Ondo State, Nigeria and Eze Ndi Igbo in Akure, the leader and spokesperson for the Igbos therein. The Igbos are a widely travelled tribe in Nigeria that could be found in virtually all parts of the country.
Aside the catchy headline in the media that the Deji of Akure flogged Eze Ndi Igbo and de-robed him after an altercation, Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba soci-cultural organisation, through one of its operative units, the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), in a well-publicised communiqué, asked South-West governors and Obas to de-recognise Eze Ndigbos in Yorubaland. In fact, the statement authored by Kunle Famoriyo, its Publicity Secretary has a ‘serious’ accusation levelled against the Igbos and their Eze Ndi Igbos -“‎The evolution of this structure has forced us to consider it as an expansionist agenda as the structure is only rampant in Yorubaland,”.

Without going too far, let’s find out: what and who is Eze Ndi Igbo?
Eze Ndi Igbo is simply a representative of Igbo people living in any enclave outside their Igbo homeland. Historically, Igbos were republican and operated through a network of autonomous settlements. The Igbo popular phrase, Igbo ewe eze, (Igbos have no king) captures the long standing historical origin of Igbo societies that were not built around monarchies and theocracies as found in the northern and western parts on Nigeria through the Emirs and Obas respectively. This was why the indirect rule of the colonial British that worked well in the two regions failed in the East, the domain of Igbos.

That’s the history. Now, zoom to modern day Igboland. Yes, in the contemporary power settings, there are traditional rulers, the ‘Igwes’ and ‘Ezes’, ‘ruling’ over autonomous communities of Igboland, even though they are more of symbolic heads rather than rulers and local authorities. The strongest authorities in most Igbo communities are the town development unions while the traditional rulers are confined to serves as custodians of native tradition and customs, and play some roles in alternative dispute resolution in the communities.

Outside Igboland, the many Igbos in Diaspora, be it overseas, or in various parts of Nigeria are known to cluster together through a web of community and town-hall meetings and associations. This fully conforms with the right to freedom of association guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended). Wherever it is present, an Eze Ndi Igbo or Eze Igbo is a selected, elected or appointed leader and spokesperson for the Igbo community in the particular location. He may not have any legally conferred authority but retains certain level of recognition and influence which is limited to Igbo dwellers in the area. There is no ambition for an Eze Ndi Igbo to ‘rule’ over more than his kith and kin, the Igbos or to extend his ‘territory’. There is really no territory over which an Eze Ndi Igbo supritends. This is universal. The Eze Ndi Igbo, Toronto does not have any particular geo-teritory. So are the many other Ezes Ndi Igbo all over the world.
The position of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation is that the function performed by the Ezes Ndi Igbo as they exist outside Igbo homeland are needed and actually work with and through them to reach the Igbos away from home. But Ohaneze had also pleaded with the diaspora Ezes to change their titles to ‘Onye Ndu Ndi Igbo’ which better translates the role as leader and spokesperson of Igbos in the particular setting. Ohaneze also requested them not to use ‘His Royal Highness’ or ‘His Royal Majesty’ titles in another man’s land, which could affect or hurt the sensibilities of their hosts. The absolute truth is that the Eze Ndi Igbos are on their own and independent of Ohaneze or any form of authority in Igboland. They are not bound to obey Ohaneze. That is the truth. Simply said, they are not linked to the home land Igbo in any form. It is a child of circumstance occasioned by the need for the Igbos to have a focal point while in foreign land.

In Igboland and other parts of the nation, there are Sarkin Hausa and Sarakin Fulani as leaders and spokespersons of the tribesmen and women dwelling in the various parts of Igboland. There is also the Yoruba community which will usually have an association head that are welcome and recognised by the officialdom and authorities, just as such.

It is a well know fact that Igbos thrive on trade and commerce. An essential factor for Igbo progress, wherever, they find themselves, is the goodwill of and peaceable coexistence with their hosts. They need that to ply their trade and carry on their businesses in a conducive atmosphere. No Igbo will deliberately stoke violence because it is their stalls that will be broken into by hoodlums; it is their businesses that will suffer from downtime. Many Igbos hardly find time to participate in political activities because of the demands of their businesses. These are actually the matters the Eze Ndi Igbo should be concerned about for that is the raison d'etre of the Eze Ndi Igbo arrangement.

Against the foregoing, first, there is no way the Eze Ndi Igbo, who simply duties to look after the wellbeing and welfare of his fellow Igbo men and women, and their business interests, who individually are reminded too often that they are ‘settlers’, can ever compete for power and influence with the Lords and rulers of the land who have a much wider span of authority. The day the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria begins to be afraid of powers and influence of the President of Nigerian Bar Association or President of National Union of Teachers, it is either the president lacks understanding of his office and powers, or some sinister power game is at play. Whichever it is, the Deji of Akura need not feel threatened by a mere Eze Ndi Igbo in Akure to merit the conflagration, de-robing, de-throning, and all the brouhaha which the Afenifere, has instead chosen to magnify through a hasty public announcement.

Secondly, if it is established that the Eze Ndi Igbo in Akure was manhandled, and his robes and ‘crown’ removed in humiliation at the palace of Deji of Akure, then it is clearly in breach of the fundamental human rights of the Eze Ndi Igbo which the Nigerian constitution upholds. Specifically, Section 34(1) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) states that “Every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly - (a) no person shall be subject to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment.
All should therefore know that Eze Ndi Igbo is protected by the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria which overrides all traditional norms, cultures or all other laws, in fact. While we are in support of a peaceable and speedy resolution of the matter in Akure, it should never remain in doubt that, should those whose fundamental human rights, as stipulated in the Constitution, have been trampled upon, choose to press forward with charges, the laws of the land shall listen to them and such an uncouth behaviour as experienced in the palace of the Deji of Akure truly amounts to self-help in law and an obvious breach of the constitution, and these could have serious repercussions.

Emmanuel Ejinima, a Nigerian diaspora social commentator writes from Forest Gate, London
emmanuelejinima@gmail.com ( +44 74 3684 9189)

What the 'ef' is this?

And the TRASH is even voluminous. Mtcheww!

Those who can neither read nor write, please clear.

I am still reading. After which I come up with a counter-balancing response.

So far, an unemotional exposé which demands careful digestion.

I praise the writer for offering a different perspective from all the former emotional and sentimental BS.

If you do bad or take laws into your hands, you have a case to answer. QED.

My comments later....

Dannyset:
And the TRASH is even voluminous. Mtcheww!

Trash is often found in the flight of reason.

mej67:
Those who can neither read nor write, please clear.

I am still reading. After which I come up with a counter-balancing response.

So far, an unemotional exposé which demands careful digestion.

I praise the writer for offering a different perspective from all the former emotional and sentimental BS.

If you do bad or take laws into your hands, you have a case to answer. QED.

My comments later....

You have summarised the whole write up. Period.

9jacrip:
What the 'ef' is this?

How aptly your image describes your response.

All rulers in a traditional territory must be approved by the paramount Ruler - here being the Deji

So the existence of Eze Ndigbo of Akure is subject to the Deji's call

The issue in Akure is not about existence of Eze Ndi Igbo.

If there is ever an issue as such, there should be law to guide all parties -The council of traditional chiefs law specifically.

I will be greatly shocked if the council of chiefs law in Ondo State provides that whoever angers the Deji of Akure should be manhandled by thugs.

My point: the society is based and driven by rule of law. That's the only reason you can expect order. Not rule of Deji. Someone should cross over to the palace and tell Deji that his seat is a product of law and he must conduct himself in accordance with law.

What happened in Akure was sheer lawlessness, even if the Deji was not honoured as he expects to be. He lacks such power under the law.

macof:
All rulers in a traditional territory must be approved by the paramount Ruler - here being the Deji

So the existence of Eze Ndigbo of Akure is subject to the Deji's call

otil1:
The issue in Akure is not about existence of Eze Ndi Igbo.

If there is ever an issue as such, there should be law to guide all parties -The council of traditional chiefs law specifically.

I will be greatly shocked if the council of chiefs law in Ondo State provides that whoever angers the Deji of Akure should be manhandled by thugs.

My point: the society is based and driven by rule of law. That's the only reason you can expect order. Not rule of Deji. Someone should cross over to the palace and tell Deji that his seat is a product of law and he must conduct himself in accordance with law.

What happened in Akure was sheer lawlessness, even if the Deji was not honoured as he expects to be. He lacks such power under the law.

If the "law" can, it should abolish the institution of Deji. .. for as long as it exists and a well cultured yoruba man sits on the throne, the traditions of the palace shall reign supreme. And such traditions dictate that no low personality like Eze Ndigbo should wear a crown to met an Oba of such calibre in his own palace

If he actually got him flogged, why can't he sue his asss for harassment and public humiliation? I thought that was fabu.

Sometimes I hear here and there that this and that tribe is primitive.

Just read what you have written.

If Deji wishes to see the Queen of England, he will therefore have to strip naked, remove his cap/crown, remove his Deji regalia and staff of office?

You guys are so so in the past.

The embarrassment this single episode has caused the Yoruba, if I were the Governor of Ondo, I will depose this one too.

The world today is pursuing rule of law and protection of human rights. You guys want to be stuck in the past when the Oba was bleeping anybodies wife he fancies anywhere he fancies. That is Yoruba history.

There is a great slave mentality here. Move on, guys. It is 21st century.

Deji is an appointee of the State Governor, is it not?

Even powerful Emire Sanusi will not go this far.

Your Deji is not sure of himself and has a huge inferiority complex to feel threatened by a common diaspora ambassador.

macof:


If the "law" can, it should abolish the institution of Deji. .. for as long as it exists and a well cultured yoruba man sits on the throne, the traditions of the palace shall reign supreme. And such traditions dictate that no low personality like Eze Ndigbo should wear a crown to met an Oba of such calibre in his own palace

macof:


If the "law" can, it should abolish the institution of Deji. .. for as long as it exists and a well cultured yoruba man sits on the throne, the traditions of the palace shall reign supreme. And such traditions dictate that no low personality like Eze Ndigbo should wear a crown to met an Oba of such calibre in his own palace

A "crown" does not exist without a throne!!!

You cannot claim that man wore a crown unless you're displaying some form of inferiority complex.

That guy has no crown and therefore cannot wear it. Not every cap with beads would be classified as a crown otherwise me sef fit go market buy my own and become Oba.

An Oba must have a stool, staff and then the crown. It's an institution

A real crown goes far beyond the person wearing it!!! Fact

He should have quoted the constitution for the Deji now.

I am sure his head would have been used for the next Ogun festival.

macof:
All rulers in a traditional territory must be approved by the paramount Ruler - here being the Deji

So the existence of Eze Ndigbo of Akure is subject to the Deji's call

Your own opinion!!! The Deji has no power to chose for the igbos in Akure who should be their leader!! He has no power to dethrone the eze ndigbo Akure.Only the igbos in Akura can remove him.The Deji's so-called dethronement order is null and void.

Furthermore the constitution of Nigeria is supreme and supercedes the native customs of Akure!! The right to be adorned with a beaded cap is a fundamental human right of the Ezendigbo!!

superstar1:
He should have quoted the constitution for the Deji now.

I am sure his head would have been used for the next Ogun festival.

Lolz!! You think If he was killed the Deji would get away with it? You people actually think you are in a banana republic!! Do not forget we also have millions of yorubas doing their business in other people's land

chukwudi44:


Your own opinion!!! The Deji has no power to chose for the igbos in Akure who should be their leader!! He has no power to dethrone the eze ndigbo Akure.Only the igbos in Akura can remove him.The Deji's so-called dethronement order is null and void.

Furthermore the constitution of Nigeria is supreme and supercedes the native customs of Akure!! The right to be adorned with a beaded cap is a fundamental human right of the Ezendigbo!!

so you envy the Yorubas' beaded cap?

The fact that you don't have kings, traditional rulers and adults in your villages doesn't mean you shouldn't respect other people's ways and culture.

The clueless village writer basically confirmed the fact that they don't have elders in iboland to guide and teach them basic courtesies, manners and how to respect other people hence their people's fumblings and follery all over the country.

You see why people can not stand you clowns..?


lol @ ibo association eze wearing kingly caps and regalias like a king. You all are rettards I swear...

Romans had no kings, yet they conquered the world.

Bros, check the constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria and tell us what was said about basic courtesies, manners and how to respect other people.

Deji of Akure will soon be in court defending his poor ass for constitutional breach. Dey there.

You guys still belong to your past when the Oba/Deji was allowed to Bleep your wives anytime and anywhere he pleases. Welcome to 21st century.

Too bad

aresa:
The fact that you don't have kings, traditional rulers and adults in your villages doesn't mean you shouldn't respect other people's ways and culture.

The clueless village writer basically confirmed the fact that they don't have elders in iboland to guide and teach them basic courtesies, manners and how to respect other people hence their people's fumblings and follery all over the country.

You see why people can not stand you clowns..?


lol @ ibo association eze wearing kingly caps and regalias like a king. You all are rettards I swear...

mej67:
Romans had no kings, yet they conquered the world.

Bros, check the constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria and tell us what was said about basic courtesies, manners and how to respect other people.

Deji of Akure will soon be in court defending his poor ass for constitutional breach. Dey there.

You guys still belong to your past when the Oba/Deji was allowed to Bleep your wives anytime and anywhere he pleases. Welcome to 21st century.

Too bad

And what are you? Are you romans and how many villages have you conquered? You people come up with the most hilarious jokes and senseless rubbish I swear...

chukwudi44:


Lolz!! You think If he was killed the Deji would get away with it? You people actually think you are in a banana republic!! Do not forget we also have millions of yorubas doing their business in other people's land

I hear you.

Nothing would have happened. The best you will do is to make noise, as usual.

aresa:



You people come up with the most hilarious jokes and senseless rubbish I swear...

Because of your level of education. Are you not a product of Awo's free education. Awuf dey wash bele sometimes

superstar1:


I hear you.

Nothing would have happened. The best you will do is to make noise, as usual.

Okay we are watching !! Just dare!! No one has a monopoly over violence!! Every nigerian tribe are living in other people's state as well!! You can as well help IPOB to bring down the zoo

tpiander:


so you envy the Yorubas' beaded cap?

So the beaded cap is the exclusive preserve of the yorubas?

chukwudi44:


Your own opinion!!! The Deji has no power to chose for the igbos in Akure who should be their leader!! He has no power to dethrone the eze ndigbo Akure.Only the igbos in Akura can remove him.The Deji's so-called dethronement order is null and void.

Furthermore the constitution of Nigeria is supreme and supercedes the native customs of Akure!! The right to be adorned with a beaded cap is a fundamental human right of the Ezendigbo!!

The Deji might not have the traditional right to choose but the "chosen" must be approved by the Deji to take effect.
Without the approval of the Deji ur Eze Ndigbo is non existent

Tell me where in the constitution mandates the Deji to allow an unapproved chief?

macof:
All rulers in a traditional territory must be approved by the paramount Ruler - here being the Deji

So the existence of Eze Ndigbo of Akure is subject to the Deji's call

True talk. People are calling constitution as if it came down from heaven. Even heaven does not support what the Igbos do. They are too greedy. If U go to all the Universities in Igbo land, U will never find a non-Igbo as student president. But they want to dominate others every where they go. Pls band any Eze Ndigbo in ur states, they will later claim vassal rights.

Gosh this story again...

*yawns*

gtrust:


A "crown" does not exist without a throne!!!

You cannot claim that man wore a crown unless you're displaying some form of inferiority complex.

That guy has no crown and therefore cannot wear it. Not every cap with beads would be classified as a crown otherwise me sef fit go market buy my own and become Oba.

An Oba must have a stool, staff and then the crown. It's an institution

I never said anything about throne. "Crown" here is a fancy Headwear symbolic to the position the person holds so

In presence of an Oba men even remove their "ordinarily caps" talk less of a symbolic one

So whether the eze ndigbo wore an ordinary cap or a chiefly one he should have removed it

mej67:
Sometimes I hear here and there that this and that tribe is primitive.

Just read what you have written.

If Deji wishes to see the Queen of England, he will therefore have to strip naked, remove his cap/crown, remove his Deji regalia and staff of office?

You guys are so so in the past.

The embarrassment this single episode has caused the Yoruba, if I were the Governor of Ondo, I will depose this one too.

The world today is pursuing rule of law and protection of human rights. You guys want to be stuck in the past when the Oba was bleeping anybodies wife he fancies anywhere he fancies. That is Yoruba history.

There is a great slave mentality here. Move on, guys. It is 21st century.

Deji is an appointee of the State Governor, is it not?

Even powerful Emire Sanusi will not go this far.

Your Deji is not sure of himself and has a huge inferiority complex to feel threatened by a common diaspora ambassador.

Does the traditions of the Buckingham Palace require that? I'm sure it doesn't

why should Sanusi go for this? Is that the norm in the Emir's abode? I don't know maybe you are just too foolish to understand the simple fact that it's yoruba traditions. .. why mentioning other people? we are not igbos that like copy copy follow follow, we do things our own way so if you don't like it you can go back to your various villages

chukwudi44:


So the beaded cap is the exclusive preserve of the yorubas?

why did you single it out for mention, especially since you already know it's not used in your area?

is that how to behave when in a foreign region?

See me see wahala.

Ordinary Deji of Akure, we no go hear word.

I have mentioned some world renown monarchs and you are dodging. You guys don't want to learn. Your ways are backward. Even the Hausas we used to make fun off have overtaken you.

Give me the pedigree of this Deji and I will tell you the root cause of this matter -illiteracy.

Everywhere you go, you see well educated people as monarchs. In Yoruba, only we hear about is thuggery, wife battering, threat of violence and violence proper.

Didn't the 'Deji' of Ibeju Lekki sit and oversee the killing of the MD of Free trade zone, just the other day. How far with that one.

It is a big shame that those that should be hiding their faces in utter shame are busy making posts on this forum. That your tradition of violence will be changed or it will consume you all.

macof:


Does the traditions of the Buckingham Palace require that? I'm sure it doesn't

why should Sanusi go for this? Is that the norm in the Emir's abode? I don't know maybe you are just too foolish to understand the simple fact that it's yoruba traditions. .. why mentioning other people? we are not igbos that like copy copy follow follow, we do things our own way so if you don't like it you can go back to your various villages