Traditional rulers and community leaders in South East have called for commitment to strengthen peace and unity in the region as well as to consolidate the region’s drive for structured and credible cultural representation abroad.

The monarchs on the aegis of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers (SECTR) made the call at the formal induction of the second batch of the diaspora Igbo leaders into the revered office of Onyendu Ndigbo, held at Eze Imo palace in Owerri, weekend.

Speaking, HRM Eze Dr. Emmanuel Okeke, Chairman of the Imo State, (Eze Imo) and South East States Council of Traditional Rulers urged all Igbo monarchs and leaders especially those in diaspora to always uphold truth, accountability, transparency and preserve the norms and values of Igbo culture and traditions.

Eze Okeke also welcomed the inductees and urged them to remain good ambassadors of Igbo people wherever they lives and to continue to champion efforts that would contribute to growth and overall development of Igbo nation and people.

He said, “SECTR welcomes you with open arm and wish to state categorically that we expect nothing short of the best Traditional Igbo leadership practices from you. Which means zero tolerance for corruption and bad leadership. Always remember that, to whom much is given, much is expected.”

The royal father thanked Almighty God for the journey mercies of all attendees and commended the screening committee, led by Chief Charles Odunukwe (OON) for what he described as a “job well done.”

Eze Imo expressed profound gratitude to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, led by Senator John Azuka Mbata, represented at the event by Chief John Duru, Vice President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and Chief Callistus Ekenze, former Head of Service and former SSG of Imo State for their support to the association.

The monarch also acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Chief Dr. Hon. Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu (Minister of State) for their roles and commitment to preserving the lives and culture of Ndigbo, especially in diaspora communities.

Prince Ubochi Ubochi, JP, who serves as Secretary of the Committee on the Regularization of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Title and Leadership (CRIDTTL), described the induction series as a foundational moment for a more organised and globally respected Igbo diaspora leadership framework.

“For the newly inducted Onyendu Ndigbo, the title represents not mere ceremony but a binding responsibility, heralding what many are calling a new chapter of legitimacy, unity, and cultural pride for Ndigbo worldwide.” he said.

The ceremony saw 19 distinguished Igbo sons from various parts of Nigeria and the diaspora receive their certificates of recognition as cultural ambassadors and custodians of Igbo values in their respective domains.

The second batch of inductees, each conferred with the Onyendu Ndigbo title, includes Emmanuel Ikechukwu Chukwuma (Ivory Coast), Chris Brown Umeh (Japan), Uche Egenti (MON) (FCT, Abuja), Henry Ugwu (Bwari), David Kingston Okey-Dede (Maitama), Ogbuke Charles (Nyanya Karu), Nwodo Josephat (Kurudu), Fabian Ikeh (Mpape), Friday Ozochi (Pyakasa), Benkevin Chikezie Uwakwe (Jiwa) and Donatus N Aguocha (Gwagwalada 1).

Others were Ezika Ikechukwu Alphonsus (Angwandoka Karu LGA, Nassarawa State), Anyanwu Ezenwa Chikwendu (Karu), Damian Ugwu (Abaji), Oliver Nebonta (Kutunku), Ruben Ndubuisi (Garki), Ugwuoke Jeremiah (Durumi), Udeh Patrick (Waru), Edeh Onuoraegbunam (Kado), Ogili Isaac (Katampe), and Goodluck Uche (Azhata/Anka).