National chairman, Council of Ndi Ndu Ndigbo (Council of Igbo leaders) in Diaspora, Chief Aloy Obi, has commended police for the arrest of “Obi of Lagos.” Obi, who is also Onye ndu Ndigbo of Oyo State, said the “swift arrest and subsequent detention will serve as a deterrent to others who want to bastardise the customs and traditions of Igboland.
“The South East Council of Traditional Rulers has banned the installation of kings outside Igboland. There is also a court of appeal decision to that effect. The title of ‘Obi’ is highly revered in Igboland. Whoever wants to cheapen the title should be summarily dealt with. Igbo in Lagos should not be taking advantage of the hospitality of their host community and doing things that are contrary to their customs and traditions. The title of Obi is not known, let alone recognised by the host community.
“Respect for customs and tradition is key if you want to succeed in a foreign land. In fact, it should be the beginning of wisdom to non-indigenes anywhere they are. I want to advise Igbo resident in Lagos to always respect established customs and traditions of their host community when engaging in cultural activities. So the proposed plan is an affront on the customs and traditions of the host community as well as the Lagos State Government.
“Lagos remains open and accommodating to all Nigerians. But traditions and titles that are not recognised by the indigenes and by the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs cannot be instituted. Igbo in Lagos should try to ensure that all cultural and traditional celebrations is in line with the guidelines of their host community.
“I want to say that what the organisers wanted to do would have caused trouble for Igbo. The title of Obi of Lagos is not recognised by the host community. If they have so much money to spend, they should look around themselves. Everybody has a Lazarus as a neighbour. Let them help the less privileged. That is the best way to spend money.
“They can also use such money for developmental projects. What took most of us out of Igbo land is business. We should try to focus on that instead of using it to cause trouble.
“The only title that Southeast council of traders rulers approved outside Igbo land is ‘Onye ndu Ndi Ndigbo’, translated as the leader of the Igbo, not Eze Ndigbo (King of the Igbo). The council also directed Council of Ndindu Ndigbo in Diaspora to be conferring this title on deserved individuals as a way of promoting and projecting Igbo customs and traditions outside Igbo land.
“On April 29, this year, I went to Awka, Anambra State to meet with members of the council. I told them the importance of addressing the issue. I made them to understand that those who are going by the title of Ezendigbo in Disapora said they have not been called to a round-table discussion.
“The council agreed that there is need for harmony among the Igbos in diaspora. So, something is already being done about it. Very soon, the whole issue will be resolved.”