The longstanding kingship dispute in Nri, the sacred ancestral home of the Igbo people, has intensified following the death of Eze Obidiegwu Onyeso in 2018. His son, Prince Ikenga Onyeso, currently serves as regent, but native priests have divined U.S.-based Chukwudi Nwokoye as the next Eze Nri—a decision that has sparked new controversy. The two main quarters of the town, Agukwu Nri and Akamkpisi Nri, remain deeply divided over traditional leadership succession.
At the center of the crisis is Akamkpisi’s refusal to recognize any ruler from Agukwu Nri. According to Ezeoba Ramas Asuzu, a cultural leader from Akamkpisi, his community are the original settlers of Nri, while Agukwu people arrived later from Aguleri. Asuzu accused past governments of worsening the crisis by issuing conflicting leadership certificates and recognizing autonomous communities that only fueled division.
Asuzu also criticized the process behind Nwokoye’s selection, claiming it lacked inclusivity and was orchestrated solely by factions in Agukwu Nri. He said even within Agukwu, there is disagreement about Nwokoye’s legitimacy. In response, Akamkpisi has decided to select its own monarch independently and formally seek autonomy from Anambra State, echoing Agukwu’s earlier call for separation.
Tensions have risen with accusations from Akamkpisi that Agukwu unfairly hijacked royal authority. Asuzu argued that Agukwu’s royal lineage began through maternal connection and was never meant to dominate the entire Nri kingdom. He emphasized that Akamkpisi’s history of rulership predates Agukwu’s presence and that they will reclaim their lost heritage through self-determination.
Calling for peace and warning against political interference, Asuzu insisted that the people of Nri must be allowed to settle the matter themselves without imposed leadership. He expressed concern that the prolonged crisis has created a leadership void in Igbo land, allowing others to claim Nri’s legacy. He concluded that only by recognizing their differences and granting autonomy can both communities move forward and restore cultural unity.
