Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
The apex decision-making body in Izhi Nnodo, alongside traditional rulers of the clan, has stepped in to redress what it described as a cultural anomaly in Ishieke, where a younger brother kindred allegedly assumed the role of the elder.
At a reconciliatory meeting held at Odomoke Ishieke Primary School, the Izhi Nnodo Traditional Rulers Council, chaired by HRH Eze Fidelis Nwonumara, explained that by Izhi custom, the Igbojima (Izhida) kindred, being the elder, holds the right to perform traditional rites and not its younger brother, Unwera (Amaeke).
The council declared that in the history of Izhi land, only in Ishieke Mgbomeze has a younger brother performed such rites in public gatherings, describing the practice as “an aberration that must be corrected.”
Eze Nwonumara stressed that allowing Amaeke to continue in that role amounted to a distortion of heritage that threatens cultural sanctity in the entire Izhi Nnodo clan. He announced that the matter would be formally settled at Amegu, the ancestral home of the Izhi people, where elders from both kindreds will meet for dialogue and a binding resolution.
Also speaking, HRH Eze Sunday Oketa, President-General of Oha Izhi Nnodo Ekumaenyi clan and ruler of Nkaleke Echera Autonomous Community, appealed for calm, declaring in Izhi dialect: “Izhi culture and traditions remain sacred and untouchable. No son or daughter of Izhi should desecrate them.”
The royal intervention followed a petition dated August 29, 2025, by elders of Amaeke (Unwera) kindred, who warned against “a dangerous ploy to truncate peace” in Ishieke. The petition, signed by six elders, accused three prominent sons of Ishieke Chief Boniface Okpete, Dr. Patrick Nwajoha, and Mr. Stephen Nwele of lobbying elders to overturn what they claim is the age-old hierarchy recognizing Amaeke as senior to Igbojima.
But Chief Okpete dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, saying: “I am not a politician. I am a businessman. Politics has turned tradition upside down. I am only pushing for fairness, not division. People attack me because I speak the truth, but I will not stop.”
He further alleged that distortions in cultural practices had already triggered clashes and claimed lives in parts of Ishieke Mgbomeze, urging elders to act decisively to restore truth and order.
Community elders fear that if left unresolved, the dispute could escalate into broader unrest. Attention now shifts to Amegu, where the council has promised a final pronouncement to restore peace and safeguard unity.
For now, the traditional rulers have made their position clear: Izhi culture is not for sale; it remains sacred and untouchable, and eldership must be strictly observed in line with custom and tradition.