Ohanaeze Bans Diaspora “Eze Ndigbo” Titles Over Rising Tensions
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The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has prohibited the conferment and use of the title “Eze Ndigbo” outside the South-East, citing growing concerns over disputes and reputational damage among Nigerians in the diaspora.
The decision was announced by the group’s President-General, Chief John Azuta-Mbata, during a high-level assembly held in Enugu. He explained that the move followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze and traditional rulers from the South-East.
According to him, any individual parading the title outside Igboland would no longer be recognised by the Igbo leadership. He stressed that such titles are not part of the established traditional structure and have contributed to unnecessary conflicts abroad.
Azuta-Mbata noted that the directive is final and binding, adding that formal communication would be sent to relevant authorities, including state governments and diplomatic missions.
The organisation is also working with traditional rulers to determine appropriate sanctions for violators. Enforcement, he said, would be carried out through recognised community systems such as town unions and local leadership structures.
Supporting the move, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, warned that the unchecked proliferation of such titles has triggered tensions in countries like Ghana and South Africa, sometimes escalating into threats against Nigerians.
She criticised the display of self-imposed kingship in foreign lands, stating that it often creates friction with host communities and undermines the reputation of law-abiding Nigerians abroad.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Emmanuel Okeke, expressed concern that the trend has portrayed Igbos negatively in other countries. He urged individuals to desist from using wealth or influence to assume titles that are not culturally sanctioned.
Ohanaeze maintained that the ban is necessary to preserve Igbo cultural integrity, promote unity, and prevent further diplomatic and communal tensions involving Nigerians overseas.
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