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.
“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.
