Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos Installs Amb Ifeanyi Peter Asonye, as Ezendigbo of Ibeju Lekki LCDA
By Onome Naomi
The essence of the coronation or installation ceremony of a person assigned to rule over a set of people in a particular area is meant to ascribe a leader who serves as a mouthpiece for his people as well as create a resolution in matters of disparity. Lagos State, aside from her indigens( the Yoruba), recognises the Igbo and Hausa tribes; hence, having a representative coronated to chaperone the affairs of fellow tribesmen is a matter of necessity, which has given rise to the emergence of crowning Igbo traditional leaders to serve in different jurisdictions within and outside Lagos State.
For these reasons, Amb Ifeanyi Peter Asonye was found worthy to be installed as Ezendigbo of Ibeju Lekki by Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos State on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the Ohaneze secretariat. Over the years, the Ohaneze Ndigbo and Igbo-speaking Community of Lagos has crowned leaders from the 20 local government areas in Lagos over the years.The mission is to ensure that Igbos all over the state have a leader who serves as a mouthpiece to convey the messages or concerns of the people to authorities in charge of the state, as well as settle tribal disputes to maintain peace and orderliness.
The gathering of people at the event attracted royals and dignitaries from different tribes within and outside Lagos to witness the coronation ceremony of Amb Asonye. The guests included the President Ohaneze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Chief Solomon Aguene, Amb. Dahiru Aliyu, Dr. Emmanuel, the International Spokesman for the World Peace Organisation in Denmark, and HRM. Dr. Oliver, a paramount traditional ruler in Imo State; Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, CEO of Chisco Motors; Chief Sunday Udeh, President of the Igbo-speaking community; HRM Lawrence the Ezendigbo of Alimosho, HRH Amb Dr Chika Nwokedi Ezendigbo Ijegun Ijeododo, Chairman Council of Ndi Ezes Lagos, HRH Monday the Ezendigbo of Isolo, Vice Chairman Council of Ndi Ezes Lagos, HRH Sunday Ojukwu Ezendigbo Amuwo-Odofin, HRH Eze Akalikamadu Ezendigbo Oriade, and other royals and special guests…
Amb Ifeanyi Peter Asonye, now Ezendigbo Ibeju Lekki, told pressmen at the event that he was overjoyed at the turnout of dignitaries at his first ever elaborate event. As a peacemaker, he ensures serenity in his immediate environment, which has earned him a notable recognition of servitude to his people. Reveals his innermost satisfaction stems from displaying humanitarian services to the less priviledged, preaches peace and togetherness, and commends the recognition accorded him by Chief Solomon Aguene, President Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos to be installed as Ezendigbo Ibeju Lekki.
Amb. Dr. Dahiru Aliyu, Council of Arewa Chiefs South-West, expressed appreciation to the newly installed Ezendigbo Ibeju Lekki for extending an invitation of honour to the Arewa community in an interview at the event. Dahiru added that he’s learned about the Igbo culture and noted the similarities it has with other cultures. Says he realised that these traditional events are all about peace, as it is in the Nigerian constitution. Encourages solidarity, congratulates Amb Ifeanyi Peter Asonye.
The international spokesman for the World Peace Organisation in Denmark, Dr. Emmanuel, who represented the president of the organisation, said his presence at the event is aided by the virtues the host possesses as a promoter of peace and culture.
Dr. Emmanuel extolled Ezendigbo Ibeju Lekki, he said;
“Amb Ifeanyi Peter Asonye stands in the balance. He is a man who is loved by his people; he helps and feeds the poor. He is the 5th person on our list of honours as mayor of peace.”
“He has performed incredibly well to unite people. He has been invited to seven (7) United Nations events to promote peace and culture, which depicts the massive recognition he has as a lover of peace.”
HRM Dr. Oliver, a paramount traditional ruler in Imo State, told the media that his attendance at the event was to honour Amb. Ifeanyi’s coronation ceremony. He says the installation is well deserved for his good will, even in his community in Imo State. He advised Amb Ifeanyi to continue the display of magnanimity. Dr. Oliver expressed satisfaction at the calibre of dignitaries who attended the event, called for a United Nigeria, and advised Igbos in Lagos to obey the laws of the state.
Chief Solomon ogbonna Aguene, the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos state in his speech emphasized that the Igbo culture and tradition is undiluted anywhere in the world, says there is need to practice culture and extend it to the young ones. He also affirmed that the Ohaneze office has been the apex body that governs Igbos all over the world since 1970, and he’s contributed immensely to making the Ohaneze office the leading organisation representing the interests of Igbos with the help of the media and other measures necessary for its recognition, growth, and development in Lagos.
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Chief Solomon expressed satisfaction at the turnout of the event in the installation of Amb Ifeanyi Peter Asonye as Ezendigbo Ibeju Lekki, added that he’s the official Ohaneze president of Lagos against the hullabaloo created by his opposition.
