GOD SAVE the King – or not, as the case may be.
A newly formed Nigerian cultural organisation representing the Igbo tribe is opposing the controversial coronation last December of a so-called ‘Igbo king’ of Ireland.
But Igbonile – which will hold elections on 1 March – insists that challenging the ‘king’ isn’t its sole aim.
Igbos comprise one of Nigeria’s three main tribes, and have a significant presence in Ireland.
Dublin solicitor Emeka Ezeani was appointed as the so-called ‘Igbo king’ by Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, a socio-cultural group in Nigeria’s south-east, but heavy criticism followed the initiation, with many Igbos in Ireland pointing out that they had no say in the matter.
Ezeani, however, has claimed that he has “the support of my people in Ireland”.
“Obama wouldn’t be president if there was no election,” was how Igbonile’s Ikenna Uboma put it, when questioned by Metro Éireann.
“My own personal position is that the Igbos in Ireland have no king. There are traditional processes that have to be followed. Anyone who presents himself as king is only believing his wishful imagination.”
However, Uboma insisted that Igbonile – of which he is a member – had been in the pipeline since before the Igbo king dispute, and that its main aim will be to promote Igbo culture and the integration of Igbos.
“We propose to foster the cultural identity of Igbo people in Ireland, and to bring about the exposition of our culture to our Irish host nation, so that our Irish friends will be made aware of our culture,” he commented.
Uboma said that there are local Igbo groups across Ireland, and that Igbonile will aim to be an “umbrella” organisation, fostering “unity among Ndi Igbo [the Igbo people]”.
He added that the group would also be seeking to interact with different nationalities and other tribes from Nigeria.
An election of officers, including a leader and deputy leader, will take place at 5pm on 1 March at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Neilstown, west Dublin. A fee of €50 is required for anyone who wishes to contest the election, and the voluntary roles will last for two years.
“There is no extraordinary identity documentation needed,” confirmed Uboma. “We know ourselves.”
For further information e-mail igboniledublin@ireland.com.
