Abia Traditional Rulers Disband Unrecognized Associations and Diaspora Titles

The Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers has officially dissolved all unrecognized traditional rulers' associations operating within the state. The announcement was made following the council’s 9th Assembly held on March 14 at JAAC House in Umuahia.

In a statement jointly signed by the council’s chairman, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, and other senior officers Eze Nelson Nmerengwa (First Deputy Chairman), Eze Franklin Nwosu (Second Deputy Chairman), and Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu (Third Deputy Chairman) the council declared that only associations formally recognized by the Abia State Government would be permitted to operate.

Specifically, the council disbanded the South East Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum and the Ndi Igbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum, reportedly led by Eze Everest Nnamdi Ofoegbu of Umudiawa in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

Additionally, the council abolished the use of titles such as Eze Ndi Igbo (King of the Igbos), His Royal Highness (HRH), and His Royal Majesty (HRM) by individuals in the diaspora who were not officially installed by the state governor and do not hold a Staff of Office.

The council emphasized that these resolutions are binding on all Abia indigenes and called on recognized traditional rulers to monitor and report any influx of native doctors (Ndi Dibia) from neighboring states into Abia.

“Going forward, anyone in the diaspora bearing traditional titles without official recognition from the state will be regarded as unauthorized,” the statement warned.