*Abuja, Nigeria* –
Barrister Ifeanyichukwu Nweze, the president of Ohanaeze FCT chapter, has called upon the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, to ban the activities of Eze-Igbos in Abuja. In his statement, Nweze asserted that individuals seeking the title of Eze-Igbo should return to their native South East region, as the FCT is not part of Igboland and, therefore, should not have Eze-Igbo.
Nweze’s remarks come in response to recent developments within Ohanaeze Ndigbo FCT Abuja Chapter, where Uche Isaac Egenti and others were removed from their positions by the General Assembly due to their alleged role in causing crises within the FCT chapter. Nweze noted that Egenti and his associates engaged the services of F.C.K. Obike to author an impeachment notice against him.
The president of Ohanaeze FCT Chapter clarified the organization’s stance, emphasizing that the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is distinct from Igboland and should not host Eze-Igbo leaders. Nweze expressed concerns about people seeking to establish Eze/King positions within the FCT and urged them to adhere to the traditional leadership laws in their respective South East states.
He further mentioned that individuals such as Henry Ugbaja, Hilary Ukpabi, FCK Obike, and Promise Thezie, who were associated with Egenti, were not recognized by their Presidents General of Abia State and Imo State communities in FCT Abuja. Nweze stressed that they could not represent Ohanaeze and called on the public to be cautious of their activities.
Nweze accused these self-proclaimed Eze-Igbo leaders of gathering Igbo people, especially those unemployed or under-employed, and approaching authorities for patronage. He alleged that they used these positions to receive funds and benefits, often for personal gain, and that they employed deceitful tactics to exploit vulnerable individuals.
In conclusion, Nweze urged those aspiring to hold traditional leadership positions to return to their home states in the South East if they wish to become Ezes/Kings. He called for an end to the confusion and rivalry caused by the presence of multiple self-appointed Eze-Igbo figures in the Federal Capital Territory, emphasizing that the FCT is not an extension of Igbo villages, and traditional kingdoms should not exist within other established kingdoms.
