Demystifying Royalty In Igbo Land

By: Ben Udechukwu

Only recently, I saw a man of about 60 years waiting patiently to see a BIG MAN in his office. He dressed royalty but was looking apparently scruffy, unkempt and feasibly hungry. He was later identified as a traditional ruler. I understand he is a regular caller and comes around to beg for alms. How? Traditional ruler? Just when did we get to this seeming irredeemable state?

I recollect that about a fortnight ago, the Internet space was literally set on fire because President Buhari asked that the revered Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe leaves his palace to meet him at Awka. For those who don't understand the enormity of decay, the humongous demystification of royalty, the decimation of the traditional stool in Igbo land, that was an aberration. Only last weekend, it was reported that the same PMB upon arrival in Kano drove starlight to the palace of Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to pay homage. By every standard, the Igwe of Onitsha and Emir of Kano rank equal. The difference is that while the Igwe belongs to the stock where all manner of persons, for some unexplainable mundane reasons have been crowned EZEs, the Emir maintains a space where respect and integrity guide the appointment or recognition of traditional rulers.

With no intention of denigrating the Igbo royalty, I am pained that we have allowed ourselves to honour charlatans, cattle rearers and hardly royal persons to become EZEs in Igboland. Just what is the rationale of having 29 EZEs in what ordinary should be overseen by one responsible and respectable EZE? I thought that a community is made up of villages and then kindreds? How come in some places in Igboland, a hamlet is ruled by an Eze? For whatever it is worth, this development is the most subtle way of demystifying royalty.

In the olden days, an Eze can hardly leave his palace. These days, most of them join political rallies, keep vigil in government offices and do awkward things to irk a living. Who would respect an Eze who bears the tag of poverty and deprivation? Who would respect an Eze who makes miles on foot seeking out his subjects in corporate begging?

This mindless proliferation of autonomous communities is our greatest undoing. This undeserved recognition of peasants as traditional rulers gives us away as a people without class and distinction. Any reason adduced in support would merely be visibly illogical.

I am glad that a few communities in Igboland have refused to assent to this millennium madness and barefaced mutilation of the royal institutions. I still reserve my respect for Anambra traditional rulers, Enugu Igwes and some EZEs in Abia, Ebonyi and Imo. However, Imo and Abia perhaps with governors who respect the right to self determination to a fault, overindulge these fellows. Let these governors start to reject this senseless, needless and irresponsible application for autonomous communities. We need to raise the bar of prerequisites for recognition of these EZEs. If not, we will wake one day to observe that communities are now seeking to be recognized as States.

In all honesty, the time honored principle is to never allow a pauper the custody of what is meant for the gods, else he consumes them. We have EZEs who are so impoverished both in wisdom and integrity that anything goes. Is Arochukwu not  been governable with the existence of just one Eze? Have you seen the Enachioken of Abiriba with his distinct style and air of royalty? Is it not commendable that with all their wealth and affluence, Abiriba kingdom has queued, over the years, behind one Eze? The annoying thing is that these areas with multiple EZEs have remained the most riotous and ungovernable. Then, where lies the wisdom of having thousands as Eze.

Let us stop fueling this proliferation. Let us return to the good old days where only respectful, respectable and truly royal men were crowned Kings. This new development is obviously counterproductive. It is more painful than it is gainful.

 Udechukwu writes from Umuahia