Nollywood star Yul Edochie has ignited a heated debate across the Southeast after fiercely condemning the current trend of selecting traditional rulers through modern methods. In a passionate message to the Igbo community, Edochie declared, “A traditional ruler must be selected traditionally, not by election or the government. And he must be a core traditionalist. Those are the ways of our forefathers.”
Taking to Instagram, Edochie lamented the erosion of indigenous values, blaming the adoption of “too many of the white man’s ways” for the surge in crime and the breakdown of moral order in Igbo communities.
He argued that true monarchs should be chosen by the deities of the land, not by politicians or public vote—a process he believes ensures accountability, spiritual responsibility, and moral leadership.
“We have now embraced too many of the white man’s ways and destroyed our society with it. That’s why there’s so much crime in our communities today. It’s time to retrace our steps and bring back our glory,” Edochie wrote.
The Sacred Oath and the Role of Tradition
He further insisted that a genuine traditional ruler must swear before the deity to uphold truth, unity, and peace, and shun evil.
According to Edochie, any breach of this sacred oath would result in divine retribution, ensuring rulers remain steadfast against corruption and injustice.
“If he goes against the oath, the gods of the land will deal with him accordingly,” Edochie emphasized, highlighting the spiritual checks and balances that once defined Igbo leadership.
Edochie’s remarks have sparked a wave of reactions, both online and offline. While some community leaders and cultural enthusiasts have hailed his stance as a timely reminder of the importance of cultural identity, others argue that modernization is inevitable and that traditional institutions must adapt to contemporary realities.
Social media platforms have been flooded with comments, with many users echoing Edochie’s concerns about the loss of authenticity in traditional leadership.
Some have even called for a review of the current selection process, urging stakeholders to find a balance between tradition and progress.
Quote of the Day
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
— Marcus Garvey
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Yul Edochie’s passionate plea has reignited conversations about the soul of Igbo tradition and the future of its leadership. Whether the community will heed his call to “stop messing up our tradition” remains to be seen, but his words have certainly reminded many of the delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the future.
