The Igbo word "Eze" doesn't mean king. Eze means a skillful one, a professional, the expert in his field. For instance: Ezeji— a man who has large farm of yam/yam barn. Ezedibịa— the experienced priest.

Eze Nri wasn't a king. But a priestly expert. Nri was known for cleansing

Nri was also known for priestly duty all over the Igbo land. Any dwarf born in Igbo land in the olden days would be sent to Nri to serve the Eze Nri.

Dibịas were called "eze". They were highly regarded because they commune with ndị mmụọ (spirits)

Igbo system of leadership was family-based through ụmụnna. Diọkpara (First son) of every family holds the ọfọ. There was nothing like igwe palace but village square. Families deliberate on matters, diọkpara would congregate, representing each family, they'd discuss.

About mobilization of warriors, it's done by families. Each family would select the warriors, they'd congregate in the village square. One person will be appointed by all to lead the war. Ezedibịa will consult ndị ichie (not gods) before they embark on such journey.

There was no monarchical system of government in Igbo land. A few communities who began the kingship borrowed it from others. For those who claimed their communities had kings before the British arrived. Benin Kingdom was where many Igbo learnt a lot of things prior to that.

Bini civilization was the order of the day. The Arọ and many other Igbo communities did business with Benin. Some history state that Eze Chima, the progenitor of Ọnịcha was from Arọ ancestry who worked for the Ọba of Benin before he moved with his family Eastward.

As of 1854, the white had already made Pepple King of Ụbanị which they called Bonny. Before the warrant chief era, the kingship some people argued existed in Igbo land was equally championship by the British. Most people crowned kings would appoint others, king, like King Nana.

king Nana was appointed by the Ọba of Bini to take care of many communities under the Bini Kingdom. They quarreled over tax. The Brits gave Nana a huge power as king. They eventually quarreled. He was chased out of his place by them and he died in 1916.

There was never a time the Igbo had what we regard as king now.

Just as we know, culture and language is dynamic. When the word "king" came to us, "eze" was used to replace it. In actual sense, "eze" doesn't depict the English king. One person doesn't speak for all. Mbanụnụ!