By Kelechi Mgboji
Assistant Business Editor
The ceremony started as new yam festival with pomp.
But as the day wore on, eulogies took centre stage, speaking volumes about the qualities of a leader naturally cut out for the role.
Eating new yam in bright red palm oil with traditional oil bean delicacy dovetailed into a ‘brand endorsement’.
Is the traditional ruler the popular choice of the people he leads? Does he enjoy their support and goodwill?
In fact, is the people’s custodian of culture and tradition “A man of the People” as Chinua Achebe put it?
Position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos
Answers to those key questions in traditional leadership were provided as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos President, Fabian Onwughalu, upheld the coronation of Nduka Eko as the Eze Eziokwubundu 1 of Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
Onwughalu said “there is no other one in Olorunda, and any other person parading himself as Eze in Olorunda is on his own.
“To be sure of where Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos stands, any Eze Ndigbo in Lagos whose traditional new yam festival I decline to honour is not one, and the person is not worthy to be addressed as Eze.”
Onwughalu’s verdict ended the controversy about the newly decorated Eze Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the Lagos suburb where another Eze was said to have been installed before now.
It was learnt that Eko was installed on the insistence of most Igbo residents in Olorunda who expressed confidence in him.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos installed him to end the crisis of confidence in the initial occupant of the seat.
“Ndigbo in Olorunda really fought like nationalists to free themselves. I have seen they are united in their support for … Eko.
“Their women have treated us to a special traditional dance they prepared for this purpose, which goes to confirm they are united with their husbands in preparation for this historic ceremony,” Onwughalu explained.
Eko said he was overwhelmed by the goodwill from Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, Ohanaeze Badagry Central, Ohanaeze West, Olorunda LCDA chairman, women’s leaders, and all others at the occasion.
He advised Igbo and all Nigerians to live a humble, honest, and truthful life, reiterating that only truth shall set man free.
His words: “I was among those who crowned the other Eze. Later the Eze failed us. He would say one thing and do another, to the extent of telling lies against me. I was even defrauded.”
Eko denied collecting money from anyone in exchange for his initial nomination for the office.
“Why should a leader peddle cheap, verifiable lies against those he claims to be leading? You do not lead by falsehood, force, and other bad examples, except if the people offer themselves to be so led.
“It was against this background that those who discovered the truth and everyone else rallied round me to be installed the Eze Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Olorunda LCDA.
“With the overwhelming support of all the powers that be, I have no option but to accept the offer to serve; for the voice of men, they say, is the voice of God.”
Truth, fear of God
Ephraim Nnakaife, the traditional prime minister of Eko, said the ceremony demonstrated that it is the will of God, because the Igbo say he who raises his hands too high holding a child’s right in subjugation will surely bring it down when his arms begin to ache.
“This ceremony is founded on truth and the fear of God, that is why it has become a success. Some people said Eze Eziokwubundu would not be installed, they were disappointed and he was installed,” Nnakaife added.
“We wanted to mark new yam festival, and they embarked on another propaganda, saying it would not hold. Again they have been disappointed.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Olorunda Chairman, Ephraim Nwanko, explained that “the majority of Igbo residents in Olorunda are behind the success. You can’t subvert the will of the people.
“In matters like this, the popular majority will always have its way. Nduka was crowned by Ohanaeze Ndigbo with the popular support of the people.
“Having been made Eze by Ohanaeze Ndigbo by the popular will of Igbo people in Olorunda, none can live in denial of his leadership. He is a popular leader that is well known here.”
Nwanko urged all Igbo to stand behind Ohanaeze Ndigbo in all things so that they will no longer have divergent views and disparate voices.
Call for unity
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Olorunda Secretary, Victor Ndubuizu, said Eko “wears humility like clothes; he has listening ears, and respect for those around him.
“He is not autocratic but wholeheartedly takes useful advice. He is a humane gentleman not given to condemn or humiliate others;
“He is quick to offer helping hands when you need them. These sterling qualities have endeared him to all and sundry, which is why we all supported his installation as our leader here.
“That is the kind of leader everyone should pray to have.”
Ndubuizu called for unity among Igbo in order to improve their position everywhere.
He said the Igbo are not at war against themselves, and cautioned them against peddling propaganda, falsehood, and trying to undo one another.