Igbo Monarchs Induct Leaders as Head of Igbo Communities in Diaspora

Amby uneze in Owerri

As a remedial measure to nip in the bud crises and disunity among Igbos and their host communities in the Diaspora, the South East Council of Traditional Rulers (SECTR) has formally inducted the second batch of diaspora Igbo leaders into the revered office of Onyendu Ndigbo, thereby consolidating the region’s drive for structured and credible cultural representation abroad.

The ceremony, which took place yesterday at the secretariat of the Imo State Council of traditional Rulers, Owerri, had 19 distinguished Igbo sons from various parts of Nigeria and the diaspora receive their certificates of recognition as cultural ambassadors and custodians of Igbo values in their respective domains.

Presiding over the event, HRM Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, CFR (Eze Imo), Chairman of the Imo State and South East States Council of Traditional Rulers, welcomed the inductees with a strong charge: “SECTR welcomes you with open arm and wish to state categorically that we expect nothing short of the best Traditional Igbo leadership practices from you. Which means zero tolerance for corruption and bad leadership. For to whom much is given, much is expected.”

The royal father thanked Almighty God for the journey mercies of all attendees and commended the screening committee, led by Chief Charles Odunukwe for what he described as a “job well done.” Prince Ubochi Ubochi, JP, serves as Secretary of the Committee on the Regularisation of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Title and Leadership (CRIDTTL).

Eze Okeke further expressed profound gratitude to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, led by Senator John Azuka Mbata, for their support and intervention. The President-General was represented at the event by Chief John Duru, Vice President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and Chief Callistus Ekenze, former Head of Service and former SSG of Imo State.

The monarch also acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “ably led by Chief Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu (Minister) and Ada eji ejemba,” for their roles and commitment to preserving the lives and culture of Ndigbo, especially in the diaspora communities in South Africa and Ghana.

The second batch of inductees, each conferred with the Onyendu Ndigbo title, includes Onyendu Emmanuel Ikechukwu Chukwuma (Onyendu Ndigbo, Ivory Coast), Onyendu Chris Brown Umeh (Onyendu Ndigbo, Japan), Onyendu Uche Egenti (MON) (Onyendu Ndigbo, FCT Abuja), Onyendu Henry Ugwu (Onyendu Ndigbo, Bwari), Onyendu David Kingston Okey-Dede (Onyendu Ndigbo, Maitama), Onyendu Ogbuke Charles (Onyendu Ndigbo, Nyanya Karu),  Onyendu Nwodo Josephat (Onyendu Ndigbo, Kurudu), Onyendu Fabian Ikeh (Onyendu Ndigbo, Mpape), Onyendu Friday Ozochi (Onyendu Ndigbo, Pyakasa), Onyendu Benkevin Chikezie Uwakwe (Onyendu Ndigbo, Jiwa), Onyendu Donatus N Aguocha (Onyendu Ndigbo, Gwagwalada 1).

Others are: Onyendu Ezika Ikechukwu Alphonsus (Onyendu Ndigbo, Angwandoka Karu LGA, Nassarawa State), Onyendu Anyanwu Ezenwa Chikwendu (Onyendu Ndigbo, Karu), Onyendu Damian Ugwu (Onyendu Ndigbo, Abaji), Onyendu Oliver Nebonta (Onyendu Ndigbo, Kutunku), Onyendu Ruben Ndubuisi (Onyendu Ndigbo, Garki), Onyendu Ugwuoke Jeremiah (Onyendu Ndigbo, Durumi), Onyendu Udeh Patrick (Onyendu Ndigbo, Waru), Onyendu Edeh Onuoraegbunam (Onyendu Ndigbo, Kado), Onyendu Ogili Isaac (Onyendu Ndigbo, Katampe), and Onyendu Goodluck Uche (Onyendu Ndigbo, Azhata/Anka).

Highlighting on the event, Chief Charles Odunukwe stated that the second induction follows the landmark first batch ceremony held in Owerri on Friday, 29th May 2026, when SECTR inducted 32 distinguished Igbo sons, noting that the historic event capped months of extensive reform work by CRIDTTL, which was established on 14th February 2026 to tackle mounting concerns over unregulated traditional titles and conflicting leadership claims within Igbo communities abroad.

According to him, through a rigorous process of engagement, screening, and verification, the committee vetted candidates based on character, community service, and a demonstrated commitment to the welfare of Ndigbo. The first batch of 32 leaders drawn from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ghana, and beyond, were formally entrusted as cultural ambassadors under the approved Onyendu Ndigbo designation. He, however, sounded a note of warning to the inducted leaders that their role and certificates will be withdrawn if they are found wanting. 

The secretary, Ubochi Ubochi described the induction series as a foundational moment for a more organised and globally respected Igbo diaspora leadership framework.

He added, “For the newly inducted Onyendu Ndigbo, the title represents not mere ceremony but a binding responsibility, heralding what many are calling a new chapter of legitimacy, unity, and cultural pride for Ndigbo worldwide.”