OHANAEZE BANS EZE NDIGBO CORONATION ABROAD AFTER SOUTH AFRICA PROTESTS

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, an Igbo cultural group, has stopped the crowning of Eze Ndigbo, which is the King of the Igbos, in foreign countries. This decision came after some violent protests happened after a coronation ceremony in South Africa last month.

Igbo groups living outside Nigeria often have cultural events to share their traditions. During these events, a man is chosen by his community to be called Eze Ndigbo and to act as their leader.

Last month, when someone was chosen as Eze Ndigbo in Kugompo, which is in South London, it caused a lot of anger. Some South Africans attacked cars and buildings they thought belonged to foreigners.

The Nigerian high commission in South Africa apologized for the problem, saying the event was just symbolic and not related to politics.

In July 2025, a similar coronation in Ghana caused protests where people asked Nigerians to leave the country. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the minister of state for foreign affairs, went to Accra to help solve the issue.

On Thursday, members of the Imeobi, the main group of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, met in Enugu about this matter. Odumegwu-Ojukwu was present at the meeting and said that these coronations have made Nigeria look bad.

Magnus Eze, who helps the minister with communication, said that people can express their culture but should not disturb the people in the country they are living in.

At the meeting, the national leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, along with the south east council of traditional rulers, decided to stop the idea of Eze Igbo outside Igboland.

Azuta Mbata, the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, shared the decision of the Igbo cultural group.

“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,” Mbata said.

“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.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the ministry of foreign affairs would communicate the decision through its missions and high commissions globally.

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