By Fred Chukwelobe
I have watched the apology video of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, the Igbo man at the center of the recent xenophobic tensions in South Africa. As an Igbo man, I feel a sense of shame at the delivery, not because I expected him to be an orator, but because of the overall presentation.
From his delivery, it was clear he is not well educated. Therefore, I did not expect a smooth or eloquent performance. His difficulty reading the prepared text and pronouncing words correctly is understandable given his background. However, what I find deeply disappointing is that whoever drafted the text shares in that inadequacy. It is not a crime to be uneducated, but it is troubling that within the entire Igbo community in that area, no one could produce a simple, clear apology, or at least assist him in delivering it properly.
At one point, he said, “I does not…,” and as he struggled through a few paragraphs, a troubling thought came to mind: perhaps the same lack of thoughtful consideration contributed to the actions that led to this situation. The poor judgment behind the unnecessary coronation appears to have placed the community at odds with hostile South Africans, who, as often happens, used the opportunity to loot and destroy their businesses.
Let me be clear: the Igbo community anywhere in the world has the right to organize, form associations, and elect leaders. That is not in question. However, what is not part of our tradition is the coronation of anyone outside Igbo land as “Eze Igbo” or “Eze Ndi Igbo.” Such titles do not exist in the diaspora. What we have are presidents or chairmen of our various associations. For example, the World Igbo Congress in the United States has a President-General; state and community associations have chairmen or presidents.
The title “Eze Igbo” in the diaspora is largely a creation of individuals who could not attain traditional leadership roles in their home communities and have instead assumed such titles elsewhere. This is not reflective of authentic Igbo tradition.
As for Chief Eziko, I would strongly advise him to consider leaving South Africa. The environment remains volatile, and despite his apology, he may still be at risk.
To Igbos in the diaspora and across Nigeria, let it be clearly understood: we have every right to organize ourselves and choose leaders, but no one should be crowned “Eze Igbo” or “Eze Ndi Igbo” outside Igbo land. That is not our custom.
Finally, Chief Eziko and his group should ensure that at least one educated individual is involved in preparing public statements. The poorly written and delivered text I witnessed was disappointing and avoidable.
