Following recent developments in Kano as it concerns Igbo leadership and representation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano state chapter is compelled to make a number of clarifications; and this is in our bid to restore the Igbo norms, culture and covetous heritage—which are being decimated by queer characters who are hell-bent in using unmerited status to fill their pockets at the detriment of the integrity and morality of the Igbo race.
For some time now, we have closely watched, with dismay, the antics of one Mr. Boniface Ibekwe who present himself as Ezedioramma IV of Kano, masquerading himself as Eze Ndigbo of Kano. In 2012, we noticed he celebrated the Iri Ji festival twice in his so called palace located on Freetown, Sabon Gari, Kano, in his desperate attempts to raise fund for himself. And in each of these occasions, we noticed that almost half of members of Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso’s cabinet were given one chieftaincy title or the other; and even ordinary traders who have no pedigree were conferred with titles. We have also noticed that in the same 2012, he also held the Ofala Festival which is exclusively made for Traditional Rulers. It is also on record that the same Mr. Ibekwe, parading himself as Igwe Ndi Igbo, collected compensation made for our children killed by terrorists in Kano and tampered with it. Again, in several occasions, he has often presented himself as representative of Ndi Igbo only to use the position as a window to enrich himself and curry unmerited favour. Ohanaeze Ndigbo secretariat in Kano has received several complaints on how Mr. Ibekwe using his self-acclaimed position to oppress and persecute hapless Igbo sons—locking them up in police cells just for the fun of intimidation. Ibekwe is also fund of dragging respected Igbo sons and institution to Court for no just cause, only because they disagree with his taboos.We can recall that in recent years, over three batches of respected Traditional Rulers came from the East and reconciled the Igbos in Kano and directed Ibekwe to lie low and respect himself, but he wouldn’t listen. His Royal Highness, Eze Cletus Illomuanya (Obi 1 of Obinugwu) was in Kano for several occasions in his capacity as Chairman, South-East Council of Traditional Rulers. He led high-profile Traditional Rulers from the East such as Igwe Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu 11 of Awka, Eze Hope Onuigbo, Osai 1 of Ibeku, who was then Chairman of Abia State Traditional Council, to mention but a few. These people resolved the matter but to the consternation of every discernable Igbo man, Ibekwe continued his irresponsible acts, selling out the dignity and integrity of the Igbo race
For the umpteenth time, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano state chapter, being the apex Igbo group in the state, wishes to inform all Igbo sons and daughters worldwide, and in fact, the general public, that there was never a time Mr. Boniface Ibekwe was nominated, appointed, elected, turbaned, crowned and or installed as Eze Di Ora Mma Ndigbo in Kano and or Igwe Ndi Igbo in Kano, by any group or persons representing the interest, culture, norms and the Igbo custom.
Since Ohanaeze has watched him all this while to, at least, dwell in self-correction and save himself the shame, and he is not in a hurry to do that, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, therefore disown Mr. Ibekwe and his self-appointed title. Ohanaeze, therefore, responsibly declare as null and void, the Chieftaincy titles distributed by Mr. Boniface Ibekwe and urge all the recipients to withdraw such status because it is based on the bricks of fraud.
We also call on members of the public to recognize Chief John Chiejina Nnaji (Agu Na Eche Ibe Na Neke) as the Traditional Ruler, Igwe Ndigbo in Kano. Ohana Eze Ndigbo can recall that Chief Nnaji was conferred Eze Di Ora Mma IV in Kano, succeeding the late Barr. O.T. Nnadi in an elaborate ceremony attended by all discernable Igbo sons, friends of Ndigbo and representatives of the host community.
Finally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo warns Mr. Boniface Ibekwe to respect himself and let the Igbos in Kano be. Ohanaeze, however, assure the general public that Ndigbo in Kano remain united, peace loving and law abiding.
We remain,
Yours faithfully,
For and on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano State Chapter.
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Hon. Chief Tobias Michael Idika
President, Ohanaeze Nd igbo Kano State Chapter.
