Igbo Leaders Identify Major Source of Crisis in Igbo Land

Prominent Igbo traditional leaders have identified the continuous splitting of established communities into smaller autonomous units as a major source of crisis across Igbo land. They argue that the practice, which is widespread in Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, often leads to communal unrest, power tussles, and the erosion of cultural cohesion.

According to the leaders, most of the conflicts currently plaguing many Igbo communities stem from land disputes and disputes over traditional leadership—issues that frequently arise following the creation of new autonomous communities. They note that in many cases, the process causes divisions within families, pits kindreds against each other, and weakens the age-old unity among clans.

Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu, the Enachoken of Abiriba in Abia State, condemned the practice, calling it a calculated attempt by some state governors to fragment united communities for political advantage. He described it as alien to Igbo culture and said it encourages wealthy individuals—often lacking royal lineage—to lobby for traditional leadership roles, leading to what he termed the “bastardization” of the traditional institution.

“This is a very unfortunate situation,” Eze Ogbu said. “I don’t know where the governors got this idea from. The whole idea is to cause confusion in communities so that the people will no longer speak with one voice and won’t be able to resist excesses. It is a ploy to weaken strong and united people.”

He warned that the division of communities under the guise of development leads to lasting enmity and called on individuals seeking titles to stop colluding with politicians for selfish gain.

Backing this view, Azumara, President-General of Nzuko Ukwu Ngwa Ukwu in Abia State, explained that between 1999 and 2006, many communities in the state were arbitrarily split, a trend that continued in some areas until as recently as 2022. He said the move brought more harm than good by disrupting existing social structures, causing disputes over local resources, and creating overlapping boundaries.

“In some cases, even compounds were split into separate communities, leading to conflicts between brothers and sisters. The dignity and respect once associated with traditional rulers have been compromised,” Azumara said.

He called on governors to set up judicial panels to review and possibly reverse some of the arbitrary decisions, urging a comprehensive reform to restore the traditional institution’s integrity.

However, not all traditional rulers share the same view. Ezeogo Sunday Oketa, the traditional ruler of Nkaliki Unuhu autonomous community in Ebonyi State, supports the creation of more autonomous communities. According to him, the initiative has attracted significant development in Ebonyi State, including road construction and new infrastructure for traditional rulers.

“Autonomous communities bring development and bring government closer to the people,” he said. “In Ebonyi today, the governor is building two kilometers of road in each autonomous community and constructing storey buildings for traditional rulers. This has improved rural infrastructure and created a platform for more representation.”

He dismissed claims that the system causes crisis, arguing instead that issues arise only when individuals try to impose themselves as traditional rulers without the people’s support.

As the debate continues, the creation of autonomous communities remains a divisive issue in the South-East, with leaders torn between preserving cultural unity and embracing decentralization as a path to grassroots development.