EZE GBAKAGBAKA
1ST CLASS GOVERNMENT-RECOGNIZED TRADITIONAL RULER
HIS MAJESTY
EZE PROF. (AMB) SIR, LESLIE NYEBUCHI EKE (V), JP, DCF, DD, FNIPR
Eze Gbakagbaka
Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII)
Nyerisi Mbam Oro-Evo Clan
Eze Oha-Evo III of Evo Kingdom (Direct Descendant)
Warrant King
THE ANCESTRAL & ANCIENT STOOL OF THE EVO PEOPLE
Background and Traditional Status
His Majesty, Eze Prof. (Amb) Sir Leslie Nyebuchi Eke (V), JP, DCF, DD, FNIPR, widely revered as Eze Gbakagbaka, is a First-Class Government-Recognized Traditional Ruler in Rivers State, Nigeria. He occupies the revered ancestral stool of the Evo people and serves as a custodian of tradition, culture, and indigenous authority within the Ikwerre ethnic nationality.
As a monarch, His Majesty is known for wisdom, integrity, fairness, and unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and community advancement. His reign reflects a balance between ancestral heritage and contemporary leadership, earning him deep respect among traditional institutions, government stakeholders, religious bodies, academia, and civil society across Nigeria.
Academic and Professional Standing
Beyond the throne, His Majesty is a distinguished Professor and Ambassador, whose academic excellence and intellectual contributions have significantly shaped public discourse, education, and leadership development.
His scholarly background strengthens his traditional authority, enabling him to effectively bridge modern governance, intellectual engagement, and indigenous leadership. This rare combination positions him as a respected voice in matters of policy, development, and national cohesion.
Public Leadership and National Engagement
In view of prevailing political realities and the need to safeguard the neutrality of traditional institutions, His Majesty has deliberately chosen a non-partisan and inclusive approach to leadership.
Accordingly, His Majesty works with government at all levels, maintaining strong, cordial, and professional relationships aimed at:
Promoting peace and stability
Strengthening traditional governance
Supporting community development initiatives
Ensuring continuity and harmony between traditional institutions and modern governance structures
This approach reflects his firm belief that traditional rulers must remain above political divisions while serving as pillars of unity and stability.
Key Leadership Positions and National Roles
His Majesty currently serves in several strategic leadership capacities, including:
Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government-Recognized Traditional Rulers
President, Association of Christian Rulers of Nigeria (ACRN)
Chairman, Southern Religious and Traditional Leaders Engagement on Primary Healthcare, Rivers State
Through these platforms, His Majesty continues to champion moral leadership, interfaith harmony, public health advocacy, and sustainable community development.
Appointment as Grand Patron of CNYFN
Basis of Appointment
The appointment of His Majesty as Grand Patron of the Coalition of Northern Youth Forum of Nigeria (CNYFN) was a deliberate and unanimous decision by the national leadership of the Coalition, based on:
His proven record of inclusive, national-minded leadership
His consistent advocacy for unity, peace, and inter-ethnic harmony
His respected status as both a traditional ruler and accomplished academic
His unwavering commitment to youth development and nation-building beyond ethnic or regional boundaries
Significance of His Role as Grand Patron
As Grand Patron, His Majesty provides moral authority, strategic guidance, and national credibility to the Coalition. His acceptance of this role reinforces CNYFN’s commitment to:
Strengthening North–South cooperation
Promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerian youths
Encouraging responsible leadership, civic participation, and national development
His patronage elevates the Coalition’s institutional standing and affirms its vision of a united, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria.
Conclusion
The association of His Majesty, Eze Prof. (Amb) Sir Leslie Nyebuchi Eke (V), JP, DCF, DD, FNIPR (Eze Gbakagbaka) with the Coalition of Northern Youth Forum of Nigeria represents a powerful convergence of traditional authority, intellectual excellence, and youth advocacy.
His role as Grand Patron is both an honour to CNYFN and a testament to his lifelong dedication to unity, responsible leadership, and the advancement of Nigeria as one indivisible nation.
