By Nnenna Joseph
Nna anyi, as traditional rulers are called in Igbo land, are revered title holders whose office holds the tradition, cultures, and peace of a people. They have certain regalia that distinguishes them (mostly uncomfortable looking), hold the staff of office, wear crowns and look the part, but these things are mere aesthetic. The reverence and importance attached to the office and its holder by the people are what really matters.
Traditional rulers in Igbo land are like a mouthpiece of the gods for an Igbo man, they do not have to be the oldest person but their office is attached with respect and reverence.
Before the coming of the colonial masters, these royal fathers played a very important role
To govern their empires, they played the role of modern-day executive, legislation, and judiciary at the same time, they ensured peace, orderliness, and togetherness among the people.
Below are the 5 most influential traditional rulers in Igbo land, they may not be your choice, the reason for choosing them is based on the power they wield and the people they govern.
- Obi of Onitsha
Obi of Onitsha, as a title remains the traditional ruler supreme in Igbo land. The current Obi of Onitsha is Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe. The monarch of the Obi of Onitsha stays within the Umuezechima kindred.
Obi of Onitsha
Many ask, why is Obi of Onitsha the recognized traditional ruler in Igbo land, it is not spiritual, it is political and circumstantial. The Onitsha sea route was the primary sea route into Igbo land plied by the colonial master, Onitsha became the first port of call for the colonial masters and they non verbally bestowed the Office of the Obi of Onitsha as the highest traditional ruler in Igboland.
Positioned as one of the most influential states in Igbo land, Onitsha, a highly commercial city in Anambra state, places the Igwe at an easily advantaged point over the other traditional rulers in Igbo land.
The Obi of Onitsha is the traditional leader of Onitsha, Anambra State, southeast Nigeria. The post of the Obi is recognized by the state and federal governments of Nigeria, and the Obi himself is seen as a representative of the people of Onitsha to the state and federal levels of government.
Obi Of Onitsha Suspended By Anambra Traditional Rulers
- Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III
Igwe Nwafor Orizu retains the position of the oldest monarch in Nigeria. Born 1925, the 95-year-old Igwe Kenneth Nwafor Orizu is the 20th Obi of Otolo and Igwe of Nnewi kingdom. He ascended the throne at the age of 38. He is the traditional supreme ruler and spiritual leader in Nnewi, a city in Anambra.
He is also the longest-serving monarch in Igbo land.
He championed the destruction of the Agbo Edo forest, he was the first monarch in Nigeria to abolish the Osu caste system in Nnewi, describing it as unfavorable and barbaric, declaring everyone in Nnewi freeborn. He discourages wastage of resources at traditional marriage and funeral ceremonies.
Igwe Kenneth Orizu (III) facilitated the establishment of Nkwo Nnewi Market which gave Nnewi prominence as one of the largest commercial cities in Nigeria. Unlike most of his age mates, he is lettered, he speaks English fluently
- Eze Ikonne
A foremost traditional ruler in Abia State, Eze Isaac Ikonne (Enyi 1 of Aba)
Eze Ikonne, 91, ascended the throne of his Eziama community in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State 50 years ago. He is one of the oldest traditional rulers in the southeast and the first to receive a staff of office in the old Imo State.
Eze Ikonne was one of the biggest palm wine sellers, he sold with cars, his entrepreneurial spirit got him into real estate within and outside the country in the years 1944 to 1955. He extolled his sterling leadership qualities which earned him the position of chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo traditional rulers and other numerous recognitions and awards. Eze Ikonne singlehanded without consulting other traditional rulers and leaders, installed the then Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as Ogbuagu 1 of Aba kingdom. Regardless of how criticized the move was, it was upheld. He commands respect in his territory, he is one of the few titleholders in Abia state that is nationally recognized. This does not fall far from his romance with the presidency.
Eze Ikonne commands a crowd of loyalists in Aba who he can summon to cause mayhem or bring order, wield them during elections, or whatever act he wishes to perpetuate. Like other monarchs, his throne can only be transferred to someone from his lineage. He has equally championed reforms in the state and in his community.
Ikpeazu Appoints New Abia Traditional Rulers Council Chairman
- Okosisi Itodo
HRH Igwe Simeon Okosisi Itodo of Essodo Kingdom, Aji, Igbo-Eze North L.GA is the paramount ruler of Aji Community in Enugu state. He was a member of the House of Representatives during the Second Republic and also a former chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers.
He is also the father of the current chairman of Igboeze North Local Government Area. He is currently the patron of the state council of traditional rulers. Igwe Itodo is known for his fearlessness, he challenges the government if they take the wrong steps. He is also a spiritual leader for his people. He is not a Christian and his role to the people is 100% spiritual. He consults and settles disputes using traditional methods. He is loved and respected by his people. He is largely described as powerful, as a core spiritualist, he has powers that are believed to do and undo.
Over to you, if there is any king you feel should have been there, add below.
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