New Dawn for Ndigbo in Lagos as Ohanaeze Worldwide Honours Eze Nwajagu
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Lagos, home to the indigenous IBILE Eko divisions of Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe, has continued to accommodate Nigerians from different ethnic backgrounds. Its indigenous people, through their traditional institutions and socio-cultural organisations, including De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, have consistently emphasised peaceful coexistence and partnership in the development of the state.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, began like any other day. But what unfolded in Lagos, with the formal recognition and honour of His Imperial Majesty, Igwe Fred N. Nwajagu, as Eze Ndi Igbo II of Lagos State by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly Worldwide, transformed the day into a memorable one for the Igbo community and beyond.
Despite the heavy downpour that greeted the early hours, members of the Igbo community, traditional stakeholders and media personalities converged on the palace of the Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State to witness what many described as a historic moment of recognition, renewed hope and cultural affirmation.
Beyond the honour bestowed on Igwe Nwajagu, the occasion underscored the importance of traditional institutions in preserving cultural identity, promoting communal harmony and strengthening peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities.
For the Igbo community in Lagos, whose contributions to commerce, entrepreneurship, industry and professional services remain significant, the recognition also reinforced the importance of belonging, mutual respect and constructive engagement with their host community.
Lagos, home to the indigenous IBILE Eko divisions of Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe, has continued to accommodate Nigerians from different ethnic backgrounds. Its indigenous people, through their traditional institutions and socio-cultural organisations, including De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, have consistently emphasised peaceful coexistence and partnership in the development of the state.
Speaking during the presentation of the Certificate of Recognition, the Director-General, Culture and Tourism, of Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly Worldwide, High Chief Ezinwe Obioma Nnazor Aguejiejemba, said the organisation had come to honour the Eze.
“We are here today, I am representing the whole national executive, the national president and the acting board chairman of the group and our reason is to come to give honour to whom honour is due.”
He further declared, “There is no doubt that from 1976 till now, so many people are just hearing it today that the Ohanaeze that is standing before His Imperial Majesty today is the registered and authentic Ohanaeze Ndigbo.”
He described the recognition as the first of its kind by the organisation in Lagos State before formally presenting the certificate to Igwe Nwajagu.
Overwhelmed by the honour, the Eze declared, “In fact I am a new born baby today. I find the honour so gladdening because you can never question what God decides to do.”
He described kingship as divine ordination, adding that he had never campaigned or solicited for his current position of Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State.
“I know from history that you don’t buy kingship with money. Kingship is never for sale. A king is ordained by God and when you are ordained to become a king, so will it be.”
Calling on Ndi Igbo to embrace honesty, unity and responsible conduct, Igwe Nwajagu stressed that traditional leadership was fundamentally about service.
“And I want to use this medium to tell my Igbo brothers and sisters that I am a servant of Igbos in Lagos State. A king is a servant,” he declared.
He also urged Igbo residents across Lagos State and other parts of Yoruba land to respect their host communities, uphold their cultural values and avoid unnecessary disputes over traditional titles and practices.
His wife, Ambassador Lauretta Nwajagu, was equally honoured as Patroness of Ndigbo.
Expressing appreciation, she said, “They just called from their national headquarters and said they have been watching and monitoring his (Eze’s) activities and mine and so that they wanted to give us the Awards of Recognition. I must thank the Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly Worldwide greatly for the great honours.”
She pledged to promote peace among Igbo women and men through wisdom, maternal guidance and encouragement.
Also speaking, Chief Patrick Ogbo, Eche Ezeoba of Umuagu in Anambra State, described the recognition as further evidence of Igwe Nwajagu’s leadership qualities.
Ultimately, the significance of the gathering went beyond certificates and titles. It conveyed a compelling message that cultural identity, mutual respect and loyalty to one’s heritage can coexist with commitment to a united Nigeria.
For the Igbo community in Lagos, the rain-soaked gathering may well be remembered as a new chapter in the pursuit of recognition, dignity, unity and peaceful coexistence.
