It used to be accepted that title holders of Igboland in Diaspora could only be 'Chiefs' without chiefdom.
Today, Eze titles are also open to foreign existence without a kingdom. That means Igbos are gradually becoming comfortable in self exile with traditional titles such as naturally reserved for title holders primarily domiciled in Igboland.
It is rather sad, an eyesore, a parody or caricature of sorts, to see a so called Eze NDI-IGBO in Ghana, Lagos or elsewhere, who could not speak a word of Igbo language. How then could such Eze retain the titleship as the natural representative and custodian of Igbo peoples of rich culture, traditions and values without a language that speaks no foreign voice during libations?
The Eze traditional title is one of the highest recognitions in Igbo cultural leadership, espousing traditional rights, values, and culture of NDI-IGBO with distinct language marinated with tongues of idioms, expressions, nuances, spoken words and instructions.
During a conversation, it was agreed that Igbo language and culture inhabits a realm of understanding and expression complete and independent, enabling behavioural instructions such that an Igbo son or daughter can attain a level of being or excellence, fit for hallowed existence of self awareness, inter and intra personal relationships. "Aná àmà ányá éléré élé, na nké aròrò àrò" You have to differentiate between a look and a stare.
By such titles, Eze is a natural ambassador of Igbo heritage, and exemplifies such office with uncanny temperament, reputation, aura, pomp and integrity. In my part of Igboland, Eze does not defend himself. The offices of Eze include a town cryers, who dispatches messages to all the communities. Eze is revered and merits his reverence. He does not have to demand for it, as long as he lives above reproach.
To see a supposed Igbo King kneeling down for someone or another title holder anywhere in the world, is utter abomination. It's the making of a tainted stool, or the loss of confidence, staff of office and authority, and subsequently accompanied by loss of recognition. Igbo traditional title holders retain such titles on public trust for the people. It's a privilege to be a representative, and not a right to negotiate such offices for personal gains and corruption.
The tradition of Igbo culture at best begins with pouring of libation, using the "Iwa Oji" as breaking the traditional kolanut. It's the foundation for every Igbo mythology because life started with 'Oji' the Igbo Kolanut. Every Igbo mother was presented a Kolanut prior to other marriage rites and ceremony. Kolanut is the only natural icon which is totally and wholly native, adamant, unadulterated, naive but wise, and must speak and hear Igbo and only Igbo as a language.
For an Eze in a foreign land to be addressed as one, the minimum requirement must be a fluency in Igbo language, a thorough understanding of Igbo rites, values and culture. The Igbo institutions of Ezeship in foreign lands MUST include IGBO language school for every Igbo child born outside Igboland. Most Indians or Asians still speak their native languages regardless of their backgrounds due to language school based on native languages.
The activity of Ezeship which includes traditions and cultural practices embody the mysteries of knowledge, ancestry, oral traditions, dialogues, incantations and the spoken word, idioms and idiomatic expressions, instructions and the use of anecdotes in conveying important Igbo messages. These communications and values have been used to preserve Igbo institution, values, culture and heritage.
There's a real need to stem the tide of corruption ravaging Igbo titles and institutions, where anyone with enough money could buy any Igbo titles just to satisfy personal bragging rites, without adequate understanding or commitment towards enhancing Igbo values including language, culture and traditions. These issues demand urgent actions by apex Igbo culture and traditional body, Ohanaeze NDI-IGBO; to rein in the merchants of abuse of Igbo culture and heritage.
...Mazi Acho Ndukwe
