From DAVID ONWUCHEKWA, Nnewi

THE traditional ruler of Igbo- Ukwu community in Aguata Lo­cal Government Area, Anambra State, Igwe Martin Ezeh, Idu ll, has expressed displeasure over the installation of Chief Alloy Obi as leader of the Igbo com­munity in Ibadan instead of Dr Alex Anozie, who, he said, was the rightful head.

Igwe Ezeh said he was aware that a high court had affirmed Anozie as leader of the Igbo in Ibadan and wondered why the ruling should not be executed.

He advised the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, who made the controversial appointment, seen to have deepened the pro­tracted leadership tussle within the Igbo community, to reverse the step. The Igwe said he had kept quiet and watched events carefully for years, but, had fi­nally decided to speak.

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“Eze, Dr Alex Anozie is my subject and very close brother. I know him very well as a lover of peace and always has the fear of God. I am very much aware that Ndigbo in Ibadan and en­virons in Oyo State chose him democratically to be their head, leader, and have given him an Igbo title of their choice since 1997.

“An official letter to that ef­fect was communicated to Igbo- Ukwu Development Union then and I am aware of that. I am also aware that a high court of competent jurisdiction has ruled in his favour to be in that posi­tion. I am hereby appealing to all authorities and everyone to please support him, cooperate with him to serve his people, Ndigbo in Ibadan and its envi­rons in Oyo State in that capac­ity. I’m sure he will not disap­point them,” Igwe Ezeh said.

In a related development, the Igwe revisited a statement cred­ited to Ohaneze Ndigbo which purportedly kicked against the installation of Ezendigbo (Igbo leader) among the Igbo in the Diaspora.

He said since every other tribe in Nigeria including Hausa and Yoruba living outside their own community chose their leaders to be directing their affairs. The Igbo case should not be an ex­ception.