Dishonor Immediately After Demise – What Entitlements Do Chieftaincies Give Again In Our Beloved Nigeria?
The scripture indeed says one thing about every living mortal: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” – Hebrews 9:27.
However, even with this realization that we will all depart this realm one day, it still behooves us as individuals, families, and society to ensure that we live honestly and right as though we would live forever. This is because, frankly, although a man may die and move on to the “great beyond,” as the saying goes, our works, achievements, and deeds become the legacies that we leave behind, and they live on after us for centuries to come.
This realization and knowledge are why I have and will always speak the truth at all times and without fear or favor, no matter whose ox is gored. No matter how influential or powerful we may feel or think we are, none of all that can ever transit beyond this life, and it all ends at our graves. So, the “watchman” in me has seen another atrocious anomaly and travesty being committed in our lands again. And, as is my nature, I will not hesitate to sound the alarm of truth to all concerned and even beyond!
Chief Lady Edith Chioma Ezeala, Osodieme 1 Of Osuama & Ezumoha, Isiala Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria 🇳🇬
To begin, I have this nagging question in my heart that begs an answer: Are there any true and lasting benefits that a chieftaincy title bestows on anyone it is conferred on again in this nation called Nigeria? What is the advantage of being a titled chief to a person who attains that supposed honor and to the children and family they leave behind upon their demise?
I ask these questions today, not as a complete novice to how chieftaincies work, but as a concerned and disturbed crusader for truth, equity, justice, and fairness to all regardless of their age, sex, social status, religion, family background, or any other factor.
It would behoove you to know that I have over 30 chieftaincy titles in my native Imo State, Lagos State, and several other States in Nigeria, but there are no entitlements! So, I reiterate that these questions are not uninformed babblings but are born out of deep sadness and yearning to know: Why is there no truth anywhere again?
Late Chief Lady Edith’s burial at her husband’s compound in Ezumoha, Isiala Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria 🇳🇬
As you may rightly be wondering, my case is the matter of the former “Osodieme” in Osu-ama and Ezumoha, Isiala Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria, the late Chief Mrs. Chioma Edith Ezeala Nee Chiji. As many may already be aware, the late Chief Ezeala passed away on November 7, 2022, and was finally laid to rest in a befitting ceremony recently January 6, 2023.
However, what many do not know is that, while the late Osodieme was yet interring at the morgue, the “wise” ruler and elders of Ezumoha had already looked around at their next “chieftaincy victim” and conferred the Osodieme title on her even before the children of the late one got to lay their mother’s remains to rest.
If this is not cynical, insensitive, callous, disrespectful, selfish, corrupt, and morally bankrupt to anyone else, then I do not mind standing alone on and by this truth! This act reeks of disrespect and dishonor to the late chief, her family, her children, her friends, her associates, and everything she stood for in that community! And, it is even more sinister when you consider that all these greedy, belly-led, and selfish so-called elders and ruler wants is just another pawn they can readily use to gain an audience with the Imo State governor.
The body of Chief Lady Edith Ezeala arrived at her husband’s compound.
Another question is that all through the life of the late Osodieme that erstwhile availed them this connection and more, what remarkable good and development did they use to impart the community and better the lives of the average person living there? Of course, the only beneficiaries of this connection they so greedily covet have always been themselves alone. Hence they had zero regards for “common sense,” morality, or even tradition as they scrambled to secure another “government house pawn” to continue aiding their devious agendas.
This is a huge shame and a disgrace to everything we should stand for as Africans and a people supposedly with a rich cultural heritage and pride. And, I keep wondering, if the Igwe (king) had lost his moral compass or was already complicit by way of whatever was influencing him, why can’t any of his chiefs and elders call him to order and let him know that this is a travesty that should never be done?
Is there no voice of truth again in our courts and high places? Even God condemns this immorality: “The king by judgment establisheth the land: But he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.” – Proverbs 29:4.
Service held for Lady Edith Ezeala in the United States 🇺🇸 in her church.
And in another scripture, it is also written: “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, Feet that be swift in the running to mischief,” – Proverbs 6:16, 18.
These two passages make it pretty evident that God is only pleased with a ruler who is fair and equitable at all times and not one who is easily corrupted and subverted by gifts or promises of such vanities. Such is a heart that devises wickedness and feet that are swift to organize mischief like immediately conferring a chieftaincy title on someone else while the late owner of such yet remains unburied. It is inappropriate and highly ridiculous!
Yes, we know that “dead men tell no tales,” and whoever is dead is gone and has no need or use for human titles. However, doesn’t it look so inept and grossly insensitive of so-called elders to dishonor and disrespect the departed’s loved ones, family, legacy, and even the dead’s memory with such a despicable action as this?
Chief Lady Edith Ezeala’s Beautiful Children
As much as there are differences between “title chiefs” and “ceremonial chiefs,” nothing on this planet could ever justify this brazen act of impunity by this community ruler and elders! I mean, this decision has nothing to do with the development and sound of the land but only to lace their greedy pockets. However, must they now make it so apparent and be rubbing it in the people’s faces?
Many have also observed these recent events but have kept quiet about them for reasons best known to them. God forbid I ever see the truth and not speak out for it anywhere, anytime, and no matter who is involved!
I have nothing I seek or lobby from any man because all I’ve ever and will ever need comes from God. Hence, I will always speak the truth and never be silenced or intimidated. I need nothing from no one, for God is my source and light! And I am BLESSED.
Again I ask this pertinent question: What exactly does being a chief offer again in this generation and country? Once a thing of great pride and reverence, it has now become a trophy awarded to the highest bidder or most valuable pawns.
May the good Lord of all creation be merciful to us all…Amen!
The New Osodieme of Ezumoha, Mrs. Akano from Umuakam, Ezumoha, Isiala Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria 🇳🇬
Continue to rest in peace, my beautiful and charming wife, friend, associate, and lioness, Lady Edith Chioma Ezeala. You were the bedrock of your families, both in your father’s house and in your husband’s place, and you raised champions, Dozie, Tochi, and Dr. Nene. You raised a banker, entrepreneur, economist, lawyer, and brilliant medical doctor. You came, you lived, fought, and conquered!
Achalugo Nwayinoma! Osodieme 1 Of Ezumoha & OsuAma, Isiala Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria 🇳🇬
We love ❤️ you so dearly, our beautiful wife, Chief Lady Chioma Edith Ezeala, Osodieme!
Rest in peace, my beautiful wife.
Dr. Sandra Duru (Prof. Mgbeke)
