Oba Aladelusi and Chief Umenweke at the ceremony
Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi has scrapped the Eze Ndigbo title of the Igbo community in his kingdom as he installed a new Ndigbo leader in his domain. He is Chief Titus Umenweke.
The royal father who had earlier approved the appointment about a year ago performed the traditional installation of the new chief at a ceremony held at the Ojukoto’s court of his palace.
Asamo of Akure Kingdom, High Chief Rotimi Olusanya, performed the rite on behalf of the monarch, urging the new leader to continue to toe the path of honour and integrity which he is known for.
Oba Aladelusi urged Umenweke to lead the igbo community rightly and ensure that there is a cordial relationship between them and the Akure people.
Besides, he charged him to ensure that there is a continued mutually beneficial relationship between the Igbo community and their host.
Chief Press Secretary to the Deji, Mr. Michael Adeyeye, explained that the Monarch had to wait for almost six years after the former occupant of the office was removed due to his alleged insubordination and disrespect to the exalted stool of the Akure Monarchy.
He said the essence of waiting was to ensure that the Igbo community presents a consensus candidate that will be acceptable to them. He also added that the palace took time to check on the background and antecedents of the new leader before finally installing him to give direction to the Igbo community.
Oba Aladetoyinbo described the Igbo as an integral part of Akure Kingdom saying: “We have inter-married, we share businesses together among other things. It is pertinent to say without any iota of doubt that the Igbo have been instrumental and have contributed in no small measure to the success story of economic viability of Akure land.”
He also described them as industrious noting: “I am very sure because my first wife is an Igbo woman. This will further tell you the bond and respect I have for the Igbo people.”
Responding after taking his oath of allegiance, Umenweke said he was elated that his people found him worthy to be recommended to the Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom as their Leader.
He said: “I am equally grateful to Oba Aladetoyinbo for the confidence he reposed in me and I promise to ensure that henceforth, there will be a great bond of unity between the Igbo and the Akure people. We are one, we have our houses, businesses and families here. Therefore we are inseparable part of the Akure community.”
The new Igbo leader who took his oath of allegiance in Akure dialect to the admiration of the people said he had lived in Akure for over fifty years and that all his children speak the dialect and have all their friends here. “I want to say without fear of contradiction that I am an Akure man with igbo blood.”
The installation was personally witnessed by the Deji, Akapinsa of Ipinsa, Akure Senior High Chiefs, High Chiefs, Chiefs and eminent sons and daughters of Akure Kingdom as well as members of the Igbo community and other Heads of non-indigenes Associations.
The Igbo community had been without a traditionally recognized leader since the removal of the then leader, Mr. Gregory Iloehika and the subsequent placement of ban on the title of Eze Ndigbo in 2016.
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