Igbo community leaders in Ondo State begin searching for a new Eze Ndigbo of Akure

IGBO community leaders in Ondo State have begun searching for a new Eze Ndigbo of Akure after the incumbent Sir Gregory Iloehike was dethroned by the Deji Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo for insubordination.

 

Over recent weeks, there has been tension in Akure as the furore over the conduct of Sir Gregory after Oba Aladetoyinbo accused him of showing disrespect. Incensed by what he described as showing disrespect for the host community, Oba Aladetoyinbo said that a truce would only be reached if the Eze Ndigbo is forbidden from wearing any form of crown henceforth.

 

With the dispute threatening to disrupt community relations between the local Igbo community and their Yoruba hosts, Ohaneze Ndigbo leaders have visited the Deji of Akure in search of a resolution. Eager to find a way forward, the Igbo leaders have decided that the best way of resolving the matter is appointing a new Eze Ndigbo who will be acceptable to the Akure monarch.

 

In a meeting with the state governor Olusegun Mimiko Oba Aladetoyinbo had called for the abolition of Eze Ndigbo title in his domain. He also directed Igbo leaders in Akure and the state at large to appoint a new leader to replace Sir Gregory and some have already begun the process.

 

Apparently the situation has caused division within the Ohaneze Ndigbo community in Ondo State, with some still pledging their loyalty to the dethroned leader and some others backing the call for his replacement. Oba Aladetoyinbo has directed all Igbo traders in Akure to return to their markets but insisted that a new leader should be chosen, stressing that he would not tolerate violations of the culture and tradition of Akure by any individual.

 

Chief Okechukwu Okorie, the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo in the state, said, however, that am Igbo leader can only emerge through election. He recalled that the dethroned Eze Ndigbo emerged through an election conducted by the national leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo after obtaining a nomination form.

 

According to Chief Okorie, Sir Gregory defeated his opponent with wide margin and was taken to the palace of the Deji of Akure where the Late Oba Adebiyi Adesida performed his coronation. Chief Okorie appealed to the current traditional ruler to embrace all the Igbo living in his domain.