FG CONDEMNS EZE NDIGBO CORONATIONS ABROAD, CALLS PRACTICE EMBARRASSING
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Federal Government has condemned the coronation and activities of individuals who assume the title of Eze Ndigbo (Igbo traditional rulers) in foreign countries, describing the trend as embarrassing.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known while addressing members of Imeobi—the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide—at a meeting held in Enugu on Thursday.
In a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, the minister noted that the practice has become a major source of embarrassment to the government, the Igbo people, Nigerians, and even citizens of host countries where such titles are conferred.
Tensions recently escalated in South Africa’s Eastern Cape after the controversial coronation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Eze Ndigbo na East London.” The development sparked outrage among local communities, traditional leaders, and political groups, leading to violent protests, destruction of foreign-owned vehicles, and looting.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu recalled a similar situation in Ghana in July 2025, where protests erupted over the same issue. She explained that she led a delegation to Accra to calm tensions after some Ghanaian groups demanded that Nigerians leave the country.
She stressed that while cultural expression is important, it should not create conflict with host communities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she added, has continued to engage diplomatically to manage the situation in South Africa.
According to her, the delegation held meetings with Ghana’s President John Mahama, government officials, security agencies, traditional leaders, and representatives of the Nigerian community. Tensions were eventually reduced following President Mahama’s intervention, as he emphasized that xenophobia has no place in Ghana.
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She also noted that the crisis in Ghana was partly fueled by the circulation of an old video made by a Nigerian resident over a decade ago, but the situation was quickly brought under control.
The minister warned that the safety of Nigerians and their businesses abroad could have been at risk without timely intervention. She urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to enforce sanctions against individuals who violate its directive banning the conferment of Igbo traditional titles outside Igboland.
She further assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would help circulate Ohanaeze’s official position through Nigerian embassies and missions worldwide.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, reaffirmed the group’s stance, stating that the title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland is not recognized. He added that anyone who assumes such a title does so independently and not on behalf of the Igbo people.
He declared the title illegal outside Igboland and said appropriate sanctions would be determined in consultation with traditional rulers and enforced at the community level.
Eziko was crowned on March 14, 2026, in the Gompo area of East London—a move widely seen in South Africa as a violation of established traditional leadership structures. Protests began on March 30, organized by groups including ActionSA, and later turned violent.
Reports indicate that at least 13 vehicles were destroyed, with incidents of looting and a stabbing. Police eventually used stun grenades and tear gas to restore order.
The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders condemned the coronation as a serious breach of customary laws, while the South African Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs declared it illegal and inconsistent with constitutional provisions.
Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in collaboration with the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, has formally abolished the practice of conferring the Eze Igbo title outside Igboland.
Although Igbo diaspora groups often promote their culture through various activities, the installation of traditional rulers abroad has repeatedly caused tension both within Igbo communities and between Nigerians and their host countries.
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa distanced itself from the coronation, describing it as a cultural event that was misinterpreted and not an officially recognized monarchy.
Similarly, the Nigerian Consulate in Pretoria called for calm, urging Nigerians to remain cautious and avoid actions that could escalate tensions. Deputy High Commissioner Olajide Ogunmadeji explained to protesters that the coronation was largely ceremonial and not intended to challenge existing traditional authorities.
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