A Nigerian social commentator known as Lord Zeus has criticised the decision by traditional rulers in the South-East to confer chieftaincy titles on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing the development as “an abomination” and a disgrace to Igbo tradition.
Reacting to the First Lady’s recent conferment with a chieftaincy title in Anambra and Imo states, Lord Zeus questioned the decision by traditional institutions to honour her, particularly in light of the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to him, it was particularly troubling that the traditional rulers allegedly gave the First Lady “three handshakes,” which he claimed was against established Igbo tradition.
“What you so-called elders and traditional rulers of Igbo land are doing is an abomination. The same thing happened in Imo State, and now it has happened in Anambra State,” he said.
Lord Zeus further alleged that the chieftaincy honour was influenced by financial considerations, accusing traditional institutions of “monetising” Igbo culture and traditions.
He questioned why similar gestures had not been extended to more Igbo women, while an “outsider” was allegedly given such recognition.
“How many Igbo women have you given chieftaincy titles to and given three handshakes? Yet you did it for an outsider because of money,” he said.
He described the development as “disgraceful,” “very unfortunate” and “an eyesore,” while accusing Igbo traditional rulers of compromising cultural values for financial gain.
