Igbo traders in Akure shut their shops to protest the dethronement of Eze Ndigbo

MARKETS across the Ondo State capital Akure have been operating below par as Igbo traders shut up shop in protest at the ongoing dispute between traditional rulers the Deji of Akure and the Eze Ndigbo.

 

Earlier this week, Sir Gregory Iloehike was enthroned as the Eze Ndigbo of Akure in his own palace but the Deji, Oba Aladetoyinbo Odundun II opposed the move saying the city cannot have two traditional rulers. He subsequently marched to the Eze Ndigbo's palace and asked that it be shut down.

 

Regarded as the leader of Igbos in Akure, the Eze Ndigbo, who is the deputy national president of Ndi Eze’N’Association of Uzo Ije in Diaspora, was actually originally named to the position in August 2011 but only just assumed the title. With the Deji of Akure adamant that he will dethrone , Sir Iloehike, Igbos in the city have decided to shut down their shops in protest.

 

Early this morning, Ndigbo, who converged on their secretariat at Gbogi Street as early as 7am, warned the Deji of Akure against dethroning the Eze Ndigbo. They insisted that the traditional ruler has no power to dethrone Sir Iloehike, who is the head of the migrant community, not under him.

 

Oba Odundun II had accused the Eze Ndigbo of insubordination and disrespect. However, Sir Iloehike said he was not rude to the Deji, adding that he contributed immensely to the monarch’s installation.

 

Sir Iloehike added: “The Deji called me at 8.48pm last Sunday inviting me to his palace and I honoured his invitation on Monday morning. I went with one of my chiefs but when I got to the palace, I saw youths numbering over 200 who started shouting as I entered.

 

“I suspected that they were mobilised by the monarch and I showed respect to him by prostrating but the monarch threatened to drive out the Igbo from Akure and when I asked why, the youth descended on me. They tore my beads and removed my crown and they attempted to beat me but the police officers at the palace rescued me.”

 

He said Igbos had been living harmoniously in Akure for over 70 years without any friction with the natives and urged the Deji-in-council not to cause any inter-ethnic crisis in the state. High Chief Okechukwu Okorie, the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo, maintained that any attempt to dethrone the Eze Ndigbo would be resisted by the Igbo.

 

Chief Okorie noted that Sir Iloehike has not committed any offence. He added that only the Igbo who elected Sir Iloehike have the right to remove him.