Eze

Eze (pronounced ) is an Igbo word which means King, with further implied meaning of "chieftain" of the tribe or kingdom. Such words as Igwe and Obi plus others are used by Igbo people as titles of respect and homage to the Eze. Igwe is derived from the Igbo word Igwekala or Eluigwekala, "the sky or heaven above the sky is higher or bigger than land", implying that the Eze is a higher servant of the people. Obi is normally the centre building for receiving visitors in an Igbo leader's or man's homestead, and when used as a title of respect for the Eze, Obi implies: "the one who sits in the throne house or heart of the Kingdom".