Ohanaeze, Southeast kings abolish ‘Igbo Kings’ in foreign lands

The National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in collaboration with the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, has abolished the concept of Eze Igbo outside Igboland. This is coming as the Federal Government lamented the coronation and activities of Eze Ndigbo (Igbo Kings) in foreign countries. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca […]

The National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in collaboration with the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, has abolished the concept of Eze Igbo outside Igboland.

This is coming as the Federal Government lamented the coronation and activities of Eze Ndigbo (Igbo Kings) in foreign countries.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who made the position of government known at the meeting of Imeobi, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Enugu on Thursday, said the situation has become a big embarrassment to the government, Ndigbo, Nigerians and other foreigners in those countries where they have Eze Ndigbo.

President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Sen. Azuta Mbata, who presented the decision of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, said they have adopted the position of the traditional rulers abolishing Eze Ndigbo title in diaspora.

“Anybody who is being awarded that type of title anywhere outside of Igbo land is on his own.

“It’s unknown to the Igbo people, and we will call upon all state governors, we’ll correspond to all embassies in the world informing them about the position of Ndigbo.

“The position of Eze Ndigbo anywhere outside Igbo land is hereby alienated and proscribed. That is the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

“We will determine in consultation with the kings of Igbo land what the punishment will be for anybody who goes against this position, and that punishment will be implemented at the village level.

“Your hometown, your town union will be under injunction to implement that punishment, but we are going to declare that punishment after due consultation,” he said.

Igbo associations in diaspora usually stage cultural activities to promote their heritage.

Unfortunately, the enthronment of traditional rulership by some of these Igbo groups has severally caused friction not just among the Igbo communities themselves but also between the Igbo and their host communities.

Recently, violent protests erupted in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, following the controversial coronation of a Nigerian Igbo leader, Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, as “Eze Ndigbo na East London” (Igbo King in East London).

The event sparked an outcry from local residents, traditional leaders, and political parties, leading to violence, the torching of foreign-owned vehicles, and looting.

On March 14, 2026, Eziko was crowned as a traditional leader in KuGompo City (East London), a move interpreted by South Africans as an unlawful challenge to local sovereignty and traditional leadership structures.

Protests began on March 30, 2026, with demonstrations organised by groups, including ActionSA, which quickly escalated into violence.

The protesters targeted foreign-owned businesses and vehicles, with reports of no fewer than 13 vehicles being destroyed.

At least one stabbing incident was reported, and police had to use stun grenades and tear gas to restore order.

The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders condemned the coronation as a “flagrant violation” of customary protocols.

Also, the South African government’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) declared the installation illegal and a violation of the constitution.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was on its toes, deploying diplomatic channels in addressing the unfortunate situation.

Addressing the Ohanaeze Imeobi/General Assembly, the minister recalled that a similar incident happened in Ghana in July 2025 because of the Eze Ndigbo issue.

She had led a delegation to Accra to douse the palpable tension as Ghanaian protesters demanded that Nigerians must leave their country.

The minister urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to prescribe sanctions for any persons flouting its directive abolishing Igbo traditional rulership outside Igboland.

She further assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will help disseminate the Ohanaeze communique on the issue through its Missions and High Commissions.