Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ndieze Ndigbo in Diaspora, His Royal Majesty Eze (Dr.) Hyacinth Nwabueze Ohazulike, has passed away. He died on Monday, April 22, 2025, according to an official announcement released by the Palace Secretary, Mazi Ugochukwu Ekwebelem.
The statement, issued under the seal of Obi Ndigbo Lagos State, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the revered traditional leader, describing his death as a great loss to the Igbo community in Lagos and across the Nigerian diaspora.
Eze Ohazulike was widely respected for his leadership, wisdom, and tireless efforts in promoting peace, unity, and cultural pride among Ndigbo living outside the Southeast, particularly in Lagos — Nigeria’s commercial capital. As the pioneer Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, he played a central role in fostering harmonious relationships between the Igbo community and their host state.
In his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ndieze Ndigbo in Diaspora, Eze Ohazulike championed several initiatives aimed at promoting Igbo heritage, mediating in disputes, and advocating for the welfare of Igbo people residing outside their ancestral homeland.
The palace noted that funeral arrangements and further announcements will be made in due course.
Sympathies and tributes have since begun to pour in from traditional rulers, political leaders, cultural groups, and members of the Igbo community within and outside Nigeria, praising Eze Ohazulike’s lifetime of service and legacy of cultural bridge-building.
May his soul rest in peace.
