Eze (Dr.) Edwin Obi, is Eze Ndi Igbo of Surulere, and the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Ndi Eze in Lagos State. He is also one of the oldest Ezes in Lagos state, having been installed 23 years ago and the grand patron of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as well as Igbo Speaking-Community. In a chat with The Unique Model Magazine, he speaks on a number of issues including the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo under Chief Solomon Ogbonna whom he described as a good and transparent man.
Excerpts:
Can you introduce yourself sir?
I am Eze (Dr.) Edwin Obi, Eze Ndi Igbo of Surulere, Lagos state and I am one of the oldest Ezes in Lagos state, 23 years on the throne, and I have held so many positions, both in my community and in Lagos state. Now in Surulere, we have Igbo Speaking-Community, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Lagos, and I am a grand patron of Ohanaeze, and grand patron of Igbo Speaking-Community. Also, I am the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Ndi Eze in Lagos State.
What is your profession?
I am a train pharmacist, UNN Masters, UNN my Phd. in Lagos here. My Phd. is not award, it’s merited, I am a doctor of Pharmacology, the clinical side of pharmacy.
How will you describe Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu?
Sanwo-Olu is a governor that is touching lives of Ndi Igbo in Lagos state, he has touched our lives positively, even though there are areas he went wrong, but he is a human being, he makes mistakes and he stands to be corrected. So, if you want me to rate him, he is doing well. He is doing very well yes!
What is your advice to Eze Ndi Igbo of Ikate, Surulere, Eze Aloysious Ahize?
Yes, actually, he has a lot to learn from me, and with time, if he has a sitting, I will address him personally and privately too so that, he will utilize his advantage of having an old Eze in his territory because, where people want to mar his relationship, I will tell him, I will tell him what he will see, because I am seeing things as Eze, so he is going to enjoy his position very well. As Eze Igbo in Surulere, there are matters that come to my throne, I will direct them to go and see Eze Ikate, I will take him to the Local Government Chairman, who is my personal friend, I will also introduce certain quarters to him, to enable him relate with him very well because people know me, they trust me, and I don’t show off, I am a very humble person, and I know I practice humanity.
How will you describe Chief Solomon Ogbonna?
Solomon is doing well, but he is a human being, he makes mistakes, he is not 100% perfect, he makes and takes advice. In fact, since Solomon came onboard, he was an eye opener to other administrators, he is a lucky and hard working man.
People that used to intimate the Igbo under Ohanaeze, he stopped their intimidation. That is why I am proud of him; we are not following because of money. No! Solomon gives as he receives from governor Sanwo-Olu. So, I encourage Solomon to continue the way he is doing.