Abolition of Ezeship System in FCT Rejected by Ohaneze Ndigbo

By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka

Barr. Ifeanyichukwu Obasi Nweze, who claims to be the authentic president of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has announced the abolition of the ezeship system in the nation’s capital.

However, his declaration has been met with strong opposition from prominent members of the Ohaneze and Igbo community.

Nweze made this announcement during a press conference held over the weekend in his office in the FCT.

He argued that the decision to abolish the ezeship system was aimed at promoting peace within the Ohaneze and Igbo communities in the FCT. Nweze disclosed that a committee was established to reconcile warring factions within Ohaneze and Ndigbo in the FCT.

After thorough deliberations, the committee attributed many of the problems and disputes to the Igbo kings (Ndieze Igbo) and, to resolve these issues, Nweze used his authority to abolish the ezeship title in the FCT.

While acknowledging the constitutional freedom of association, Nweze asserted that, as members of Ohaneze Worldwide, the ezeship system in the FCT would remain abolished. He claimed to have officially communicated this decision to the FCT minister.

Supporting his stance, Nweze pointed out that in Igbo tradition, there is no single overarching Eze for the entire Igbo community but rather an Eze in each indigenous community.

He advocated for each indigenous community in the FCT to appoint a representative based on their familiarity with the local community, thereby acting as a liaison for Ndigbo in that area. Nweze criticized the idea of competing with traditional indigenous rulers.

However, the reaction to Nweze’s announcement has been divided. Eze Igbo in Apo Resettlement, FCT, HRH Charles Olisakwe, who also serves as chairman of Eze Igbo’s palace, stated that Nweze lacked the authority to abolish the ezeship system.

He revealed that they had engaged in a series of reconciliation meetings with Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, resulting in Barr Arua Oko Onwu being recognized as the authentic president of Ohaneze in the FCT. Olisakwe questioned the fate of the Oha system if the ezeship system was abolished.

On the other hand, the ex-officio representing Enugu in the FCT Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chef Andrew Ugwu, supported Nweze’s decision, stating that it was based on recommendations from a committee. According to him, the ezeship title in the FCT has indeed been abolished.

Eze Igbo Basan Jiwa, HRH Uche Chineke, who also serves as the Chairman of Ndieze in the FCT, argued that Nweze had no authority to abolish the ezeship system. He emphasized that Barr Onwu Oko Arua was the legitimate president of Ohaneze Nd’Igbo Worldwide in the FCT, and Nweze’s apology was still under consideration.

The FCT Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide Welfare Officer, Engr John Ogbu, confirmed that Nweze had been impeached and, even if he were still in power, he lacked the authority to abolish the ezeship system in the FCT.