The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra(MASSOB) has berated Emeka Ojukwu, son of the late Biafran leader and Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu for accepting the traditional title of Ikemba 11.
A release issued by the Director of Information of the organisation, Mr. Uchenna? Madu stated that the title given to Ojukwu’s son by the traditional ruler of Nawfia, Igwe Chigioke Nwankwo disrespected Igbo tradition and culture.
It the statement read in “With utmost disregard and disrespect to Igbo tradition and culture in which Emeka Ojukwu Jnr. took the traditional title of ‘Ikemba Nnewi 11’, by the traditional ruler of Nawfia, Igwe Chigioke Nwankwo is totally and out rightly condemned by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
“The Ikemba Nnewi title bestowed on late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was a mark of respect and honour to him by Igwe of Nnewi.
“It was a result of his outstanding and eloquent performances. Leadership is not hereditary; Emeka Ojukwu Jnr. should make himself responsible by getting married first because Igbo leadership is for responsible and respected people,” Madu stated.
The MASSOB spokesman advised Emeka not to ride on the back of his father to prominence, stressing that, “Traditional institutions of Ndigbo can never be bastardised by disgruntled persons. The Ikemba Nnewi title was given to Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu by Igwe Nnewi not Nawfia. Any move to discredit the Igbo institution will be resisted by MASSOB.
“The Ikemba 11 title conferred on Emeka by Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo is totally and out rightly unacceptable to MASSOB and Ndigbo in general.
“In as much as MASSOB is not against Emeka Jnr. we shall not allow Igbo tradition and custom desecrated by people seeking for cheap popularity,” the release warned.