The Igbo Had Kings: Igbo Enwe Eze Reconsidered

 The Igbo Had Kings: Igbo Enwe Eze Reconsidered

By Emeka Esogbue

Beyond its literary interpretation, the phrase "Igbo enwe eze," often translated as "the Igbo have no king, "is more of a cultural expression highlighting the decentralized political structures historically found in many Igbo communities. However, this saying does not mean that monarchies were absent across all Igbo societies, nor does it negate the fact that the Nri Kingdom is a monarchical institution.

 

In fact, several Igbo societies had monarchs long before the arrival of European colonists, a fact well-documented by Igbo historians. Nri, for instance, is one of Nigeria’s earliest known kingdoms, and its traditional ruler, the Eze Nri is both a sacred and priestly king. The immediate past monarch, Eze Nri Enweleani II Obidiegwu Onyeso, was the 16th in recorded history. According to information available, he has joined his ancestors and a mandatory 7 years interregnum is required for the enthronement of a new Eze Nri. The kingship is rotated among the quarters of Obeagu, Uruoji, and Agbadana. 

 

Legends from Ibusa and Ogwashi-Uku also trace their roots to the Nri Kingdom. Edini and Adaigbo, believed to be princes from Nri, played foundational roles in these communities. In Ogboli-Igbuzo (founded by Edini), the existence of multiple Ezeships or Obiships today reflects this monarchical influence inherited from Nri.

 

Surprisingly to some, even Owerri, the capital of Imo State is historically a kingdom. The traditional ruler of Owerri bears the title "Njemanze." The late Eze Emmanuel Emenyonu Njemanze, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 84, reigned for 27 years and was the 11th monarch in his dynasty. He was recognized as a first-class traditional ruler, and anyone bearing the Njemanze name today is part of the Owerri royal lineage.

 

Arochukwu is another example. Once a dispersed settlement, it was unified into a kingdom in the 17th century by Akuma Nubi. Originally inhabited by the Ibibio, the area came under the control of Igbo settlers, with Akuma Nubi leading the conquest and founding the Arochukwu Kingdom in 1650. The throne is now held by descendants of Oke Nnachi, who succeeded Nubi but it rotates among the components of Asi Eko Oke, Kanu Okoro Oke, and Obi Okoro Oke

 

Nnewi also stands out as one of Nigeria’s oldest kingdoms, with its monarchy dating back nearly 500 years. The current ruler, Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III, is the 20th Obi of Otolo and Igwe of the Nnewi Kingdom. Historically, figures like Ikenga Omeabughi Nsor, the second monarch of Isu, played significant roles during the era when many Isu people migrated westward across the Niger River. Prince Umejei Ikenga (Umejei Nwa Eze Isu), founder of the Igbuzo settlement, likely emerged during this period. Igwe Orizu III was enthroned in 1963 and continues to uphold the Nnewi royal legacy.

 

Even Ibusa (Igbuzo), an Anioma (Igbo) settlement, has embraced monarchical traditions for generations, with multiple dynasties tracing their roots back to Isu, their ancestral homeland.

History also recorded that pre-colonial societies like Nsugbe and Obosi operated monarchical systems but were disrupted by the imperial interventions of the British. 

 

In summary, the belief that Igbo societies especially Nri never had monarchs is a widespread misconception. Many Igbo communities operated monarchies historically, and some continue to do so today. I have taken the time to explain this thoroughly because I believe others will find the clarification valuable.

 

Yes, Nri was and remains a kingdom.

Being a response to an argument posed to a gathering.