Stakeholders Flay Igbo Women In UK Over Title Holders Claim

Stakeholders of Nzoko Ozo Ndi-Igbo in Nigeria have strongly condemned the attitude of some Igbo Women in the United Kingdom who in their recent statement claimed to be Ozo Title Holders.
Making their feelings known in a statement issued at the end of their emergency meeting in Enugu, the Ozo title holders described the attitude of the women not only as an embarrassment but a serious abomination in Igbo land.
The reaction of the stakeholders was sequel to the quantum of calls from different parts of the World, and the viral social media reactions on reports that some Igbo women in the United Kingdom claimed to be Ozo Title Holders.
According to them, throughout the entire Igbo land, Ozo title taking is an exclusive preserve for men, adding: “Women do not and cannot take Ozo Title”.
They further explained that Ozo title initiation in Igbo land only takes place in the ancestral home land of the initiate – paternal or maternal; and never in foreign or strange land.
“The Ozo Traditional Institution exist only in recognized Igbo communities and there are rules for recognition of new communities as well as procedures for initiation of new members which include bestowal of Ofo Ozo from its rightful Custodian.
“ The Ozo title is a sacred Igbo Institution for which an intending aspirant undergoes several rigorous puritanical processes. It is not a chieftaincy title which is awarded or conferred by an Igwe or Eze”.
They also maintained that it is reckless and irresponsible for a group of Igbo Women within or outside the shores of Nigeria to claim to be Ozo title holders and also claim to have formed an association called ‘Umunwanyi Ozo Prestigious Association of United Kingdom and Ireland’.
Continuing, the stakeholders said: “Nzuko Ozo Ndigbo immeasurably condemns these bogus claims of this bizarre group of Igbo women and warn them of dire consequences which will descend on them for this wilful desecration of Igbo values.
“ Nzuko Ozo Ndigbo hopes that the women will come to their senses and terminate this charade and save themselves from the Igbo Nation ancestral wrath”.
The statement was jointly signed by Prof Ike Oluka – National Chairman, Prince Ikenna Onyesoh – The Regent of Nri Ancient Kingdom, and Member, Board of Trustees, as well as Dr Ferdinand Ozoani – Member, Board of Trustees of the association.

By: Canice Amadi, Enugu