After nearly two decades of searching for credible leadership of the Igbos in Ikorodu division as jointly requested by the Late Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi and the incumbent Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Majesty Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Lagos State Chapter of Oha-Ne-Eze Ndigbo and Nifaclee Igbos in Ikorodu division on Tuesday, July4, presented to Oba Shotobi and Oba-in-council leaders to pilot the Igbos in the division in the years.
The Lagos State President General of Ohane-Eze Ndigbo, Dr. Ferguson Okoli, the Lagos state Eze Ndigbo recognized by the state government, Eze (Dr.) Christain Nwachukwu accompanied by executives of the Oha-Ne-Eze in lagos state and some notable Chiefs. Dr. Nwachukwu cabinet jointly presented Retired colonel Reuben Nwako as the Chairman of Oha-Ne-Eze in Lagos State and four Eze Dni Igbo governing different domains in Ikorodu division.
The Ezes include Eze Paulicap Ukegbu (Eze Igbo Ikorodu LGA/Ikorodu Division), Eze John Okafor (Ijede LCDA), Eze Livvinus Enweremadu ( Igbogbo/Bayeiku LCDA) and Eze Ofodile Nwajei( Ikorodu West LCDA).
A powerful delegation led by Igbo traditional dance group and flutist comprising notable Igbo stakeholders from different walks of life arrived the Ayangbure palace at about 5pm and were honourably ushered into the palace.
Dr. Ferguson Okoli, an eloquent lawyer and community leader praised Oba Shotobi and his wife and the cordial relationship between Igbos and their Ikorodu hosts. Noting that Igbos had been consistent in the pursuance of National unity and inter-ethnic co-operation, often playing the role of bridge builders in Nigeria. The Igbos he said are adventurous and see every part of the country as their home.
Thereafter, he presented Col. Nwako as the leader of Oha-Ne-Eze in Ikorodu division and other Ezes, saying that, Nwako will co-ordinate the activities of Ndi-Igbo in Shotobi’s domain.
Eulogizing the sterling qualities of Col. Nwako, the Oha-Ne-Eze President described him as a good choice, noting that he served as Director of Enforcement at National Agency for Food/Drug Administration Control under the late Dora Akuyili.
He was also Director of Operations in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Dr. C.U. Nwachukwu (Eze Igbo Lagos State) affirmed Dr. Ferguson statements adding that Asiwaju Tinubu strengthened the cordial relationship between Igbos and Yorubas in Lagos when he appointed an Igbo man as Commissioner in his cabinet and thereafter. He expressed confidence in the new leaders being presented to Oba Shotobi to oversee the affairs of the Igbos in Ikorodu division.
The excited Monarch who had long expected this presentation remarked that Igbos are very peaceful and hardworking. Their contribution to the development of Ikorodu cannot be denied. I am presenting Col. Nwako as your leader in Ikorodu division because I know him as a man of integrity and honor. I have accepted him as a man I will work with and who will help in bringing peace among Igbos in Ikorodu.
In the presence of the full house, Oba Shotobi honored Col. Nwako and his pretty wife Anita Chieftaincy titles as Omobowale of Ikorodu and Yeye Omobowale of Ikorodu respectively.
By this development, the Igbos have fulfilled the yearning of many of their kinsmen and women as well as Ikorodu people who had been dismayed by the factional youth of Igbos for several decades.
Amidst joy and funfare the Igbo delegation retired to the residence of Col. (Chief) Nwako for a social reception.
Among the delegation from Lagos were Barrister Azubike (Gen-Sec. Oha-Ne-Eze Lagos State), Mr.Festus( Youth leader), Chief Onowu Ozara-Ebuka ( Chairman of LGA Chairmen of Oha-Ne-Eze), Chief Ugwu( Publicity Sec. Oha-Ne-Eze).
From Ikorodu came notable Igbos including High Chief Jacobson Akpa, Chief Simeon Une ( Olonje) Barrister Julius Nnwaman’s May Anyaegbural, Capt. Jordan, Chief Ibe Onyike, Mazi Chuma Adichie, Mazi Iheanyi Nwankwo ( mouthpiece) etc.
The new leadership in Ikorodu division is also at work reaching out to various associations, unions, communities, individuals to carry everyone along.
A group known as Great Women in Politics, led by Chief (Mrs.) Chinyere Ezuma , Allison Market traders, executives of a progressive club from Ijede are among groups that have reached out to the new leadership of Oha-Ne-Eze Ndigbo in Ikorodu division.
After nearly two decades of searching for credible leadership of the Igbos in Ikorodu division as jointly requested by the Late Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi and the incumbent Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Majesty Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Lagos State Chapter of Oha-Ne-Eze Ndigbo and Nifaclee Igbos in Ikorodu division on Tuesday, July4, presented to Oba Shotobi and Oba-in-council leaders to pilot the Igbos in the division in the years.
The Lagos State President General of Ohane-Eze Ndigbo, Dr. Ferguson Okoli, the Lagos state Eze Ndigbo recognized by the state government, Eze (Dr.) Christain Nwachukwu accompanied by executives of the Oha-Ne-Eze in lagos state and some notable Chiefs. Dr. Nwachukwu cabinet jointly presented Retired colonel Reuben Nwako as the Chairman of Oha-Ne-Eze in Lagos State and four Eze Dni Igbo governing different domains in Ikorodu division.
It will be recalled that twice in April and May 2012 during the visit of Igbo stakeholders to his Palace on the occasion of the death/burial of late Chief Emeka Ojukwu, Oba Oyefusi had urged Igbos to produce a lader who will work with him and his kingdom.
The incumbent Oba Shotobi who was the Odofin of Ikorodu witnessed this clarion call and restated it when he was crowned the new Ayangbure of Ikorodu. The granting of a chieftaincy title to Col. Nwako (The 3rd Igbo to be so honored in Ikorodu in the past 40years is therefore a fulfillment of this directive of the Obas.
Other persons in the delegation from Lagos include Prince Ignatius Ozamebuka Chairman Oha-Ne-Eze Ikeja, Chief Christian Chukwu Chairman Oha-Ne-Eze Mainland Chapter, Chief Ogbonna Ezugwu chairman Oha-Ne-Eze Agboyi/Ketu chapter, Prince Tony Nwukeze ex youth leader Lagos State, Festus Ebuwo Current state youth leader. Ikechukwu PRO youth wing Lagos state, Pastor Arinze Chairman Oha-Ne-Eze Surulere chapter, Peter Mgbeakuke chairman Oha-Ne-Eze Ikosi /Isheri. LGA.
Accepting the responsibility of chairing Ikorodu division Oha-Ne-Eze and the Chieftaincy title of Omobolanle of Ikorodu, Chief (Col) Nwako thanked Oba Shotobi and Oha-Ne-Eze Lagos State and Eze Igbo Lagos State and the Igbos in Ikorodu division for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to work with the four Ezes particularly Eze Ukegbu of Ikorodu division in serving the Igbos and Oba Shotobi.
The beautiful ceremony ended at about 6:30pm.