FG, Ohanaeze Move To End ‘Eze Ndigbo’ Titles Abroad After South Africa Crisis
Rising tensions linked to diaspora chieftaincy titles have pushed Nigeria to draw a firm line on cultural practices abroad.
The Federal Government and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide have moved to abolish the controversial practice of crowning “Eze Ndigbo” outside Igboland, warning that such titles are fuelling diplomatic tensions and putting Nigerians at risk.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the position known at Ohanaeze’s Imeobi meeting in Enugu, describing the trend as an embarrassment to Nigeria and a threat to relations with host countries.
She cited the recent unrest in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where the coronation of an Igbo leader sparked protests, attacks on foreign-owned property and heightened xenophobic tensions.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also recalled a similar scare in Ghana in 2025, saying swift diplomatic intervention helped avert a mass backlash against Nigerians.
Ohanaeze President-General, Azuta Mbata, stated that the apex Igbo body had formally outlawed diaspora kingship titles, declaring that anyone accepting such a title abroad would do so without Igbo endorsement.
He said sanctions would be announced for defaulters, with enforcement expected to begin at the community level.
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