Nnobi Monarch Moves to Reform Ozo Title Process, Inaugurates Harmonisation Committee

By Our Reporter

The Traditional Ruler of Nnobi, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Engr. Nick Obi, has inaugurated a committee to harmonise the process of Nze na Ozo chieftaincy title-taking in the community, in what is being described as a major step toward preserving the town’s cultural heritage and restoring the prestige of the revered institution.

The committee, inaugurated on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Nnobi Town Hall, comprises two representatives each from the Nnobi Welfare Organisation (NWO), age grades, Nze na Ozo groups, and the Igwe Nnobi-in-Council.

Members of the committee, known as the Harmonisation of Nze na Ozo Nnobi Committee, include Chief Emma Nwosu (Chairman), Dr. Uche Ezenwile (Secretary), High Chief Ikechukwu Azugo, Ichie Chukwudi Ezenyi, Ichie Ojukwu Ufudo, Nze Felix Ekunie, Nze Justin Okonkwo, Chief Felix Onwuka, and Chief Chinyelugo, among others representing the various stakeholder groups.

Speaking through the committee chairman, Chief Emma Nwosu, Igwe Obi said the initiative was aimed at restoring the dignity, integrity and uniformity of the Nze na Ozo institution without undermining the traditional authority of those responsible for conferring the titles.

“Our goal is to reconcile issues surrounding Nze na Ozo title-taking in Nnobi and restore the institution to its pride of place, as obtainable in other communities,” the monarch said.

He stressed that the exercise was not intended to strip recognised title conferrers of their traditional responsibilities.

“We have no intention of taking away the role of conferring Ozo titles from those traditionally empowered to do so. Rather, we seek to reform and review the processes, procedures and operations of the Nze na Ozo Society in line with the cultural values of our people.”

The monarch explained that the move was in line with Section 15(1)(d) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law, which designates the traditional ruler as the custodian of the culture, customs and traditions of the community.

“As the chief custodian of Nnobi’s culture and tradition, it is my responsibility to ensure that our cherished institutions are preserved, strengthened and properly guided for future generations,” he stated.

According to the terms of reference, the committee will recommend a uniform fee for Ozo title-taking across Nnobi, discourage the conferment of Ozo titles on children, and establish a minimum eligibility age of 20 years.

The committee will also review the requirement of landed property ownership as a criterion for title-taking, address the proliferation of Ozo titles, and clarify the distinction between the traditional titles of ‘Nze’ and ‘Eze’.

Describing the inauguration as a consultative engagement, the monarch urged members of the Nze na Ozo Society and other stakeholders to make meaningful contributions toward the reform process.

He disclosed that the committee would reconvene after receiving submissions from stakeholders to deliberate on the recommendations before presenting its final report.

The event attracted prominent personalities from the community, including the President-General of the Nnobi Welfare Organisation, Chief Sir Aloysius Olubialu, alongside other executives of the town union and traditional leaders.