That Eze (Dr) Chikadibia Christian Nwokedi, Eze Ndigbo of Ijegun and Ijedodo has been installed Chairman of Council of Ndi Eze in Lagos State was not surprising to many of those who know him and have been following his humanitarian services over the years. Many see the installation as the reward of diligence, and selfless services to humanity.
In life, some acquire leadership skills while some are destined to lead by reason of the wisdom God bestowed on them. Eze Nwokedi, no doubt, belongs to the latter. For instance, he was just 25 years when the leadership of Ladipo market beckoned on him and he delivered, transformed the level of Ladipo, fought for freedom for poor traders being intimidated by some agencies, and the legacy he left behind still speaks for him in the history of Ladipo till today.
As though his community, Obodouwku , noticed his leadership acumen and philanthropic gestures he had done with the little blessing entrusted on him by God, and installed him Okpoko I of Obodoukwu, even though his father was a king, but that does not stand for him having what he does not merit in Igbo land. Up till today the legacies still stand him out among his peer.
As if he was not satisfied in the two leadership positions he holds, he founded “Ndi Igbo Buru Otu Association of Nigeria,” which has various testimonies to his credit as members of the association have continued to praise him.
In the light of the above facts, on the third of March, 2022, Eze Nwokedi was installed as Eze Ndi Igbo of Ijegun and Ijedodo communities. Mounting the throne has been a great source of pride of Igbos in Lagos, and Nigeria at large. Since assuming the office, the narratives of Igbos in Lagos has changed, based on the exploits he is making.
These exploits range from conflict resolution, empowerment, and fighting for intimidated individuals irrespective of tribe and age. Recently, he paid hospital bill for a woman that delivered triplet through CS without knowing the couple. This, according to him gives him joy. Helping those in difficulties is his calling indeed!
Fielding questions from journalists in his admirable palace regarding his new responsibilities, Eze (Dr.) Nwokedi said his first task would be to restore peace between Ndigbo in Lagos and their host, the Yorubas
In his words, “It is not easy and it is not what I will say now, but the main thing is to bring peace between Igbo and Yoruba and make my people to be more loved and again know our problems, and proffer solutions. That is why I am the chairman Ndi Eze in Lagos state. The task is too much but by the grace of God, God will back me to do it. It is not easy, there will be obstacles on the ground, but with God all things are possible. So, I know what to do for my people to continue to be happy.
“We have discussed and we have to fix a meeting next month. Our meeting is usually on a Sunday, but I have changed it today to be Saturdays because Sunday is for God, and God is the king of kings. We are the servant of God, so I have changed the meeting of Ndi Eze from Sundays to Saturdays so that some Ezes can attend programmes in their churches because Eze can be called in the church as Royal Father, he cannot leave it and start coming to meeting. So I have achieved that one today. I have capable Ezes that work with me and personalities, our secretary is a barrister, and he knows what he is doing and the others.
“I know it is work all of us will do because I cannot do it alone. If there is no enmity because December, you all will hear good news about Igbo. And again when the righteous is on the throne, people rejoice, now Igbos will rejoice because God has chosen me.”
Eze Nwokedi further revealed that the meeting of the Ezes will be rotational to enable member know one another’s residence
“Yes, what I am saying is that it will be rotational, so that we know where all the Ezes live. Not when somebody dies, they start calling the person on phone and they will start looking for address, now is when to know more about ourselves. Our next meeting will be in Amuwo Odofi, at Eze Sunday Ojukwu palace next Saturday so after him, another person will take over. So, we must go around,” he stated.
On his expectation in the next Six months in bringing Ndi Eze together, Eze Nwokedi said, “Like I always say, when God chooses a person, he will support him, so God has chosen me and the first election in Ndi Eze is Lagos state. So God knows before he appointed me to be the leader. Today two have joined because of me.
“Before the next meeting, believe you me, we will have more than 50 Ezes that will join and it will make all Ndi Igbo to start loving Ndi Eze, before Ezeship is a business not now.
“Eze is a servant to the Igbos, to know who is who and who is living. To know who to give money to start business, when you are hungry, a king will give you food. In the olden days in the village, when you are hungry you go to the king’s house, the king gives you a tuber of yam to eat.”
Speaking further on how to create relationship with the Lagos State Government, the newly installed chairman of Council of Ndi Eze in Lagos assured that he knows how to go about it.
“No shaking, that is why I invited “Anya Ndi Igbo,” Chief Chris Egwilo JP, and Hon. Jude Idumogu, and I even wrote a letter to the Commissioner of Chieftaincy Lagos state. So he is supposed to be here today and by this month, we will pay them visit at Alausa, so I say I will bring peace between Igbo and Yoruba because, I am a man of peace,” he submitted.
On their part, the executives spoke in unison and expressed confidence in Eze Nwokedi’s leadership. “We are happy to have a man of high caliber to lead us. He should not consider gossips, he should add more effort, he will lead us well,” they pledged.
Speaking on the Igbo speaking Community President that issued him the certificate of office, Eze Nwokedi confirmed that the Igbo Speaking Community is a registered organization and has the legal right to install him as Eze, adding that henceforth Eze Nwokedi is the authentic Chairman of Council of Ndi Eze in Lagos State for a period of four years.