The Federal Government has criticised the installation of individuals as Eze Ndigbo (Igbo traditional rulers) in foreign countries, describing the practice as “a major embarrassment.”
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, spoke on behalf of the government during a meeting of Imeobi, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in Enugu on Thursday, April 9.
In a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication, Magnus Eze, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “The situation has become a major embarrassment to the government, Ndigbo, Nigerians, and citizens of host countries where such titles are conferred.”
The criticism follows violent protests in South Africa’s Eastern Cape after Solomon Ogbonna Eziko was crowned “Eze Ndigbo na East London,” sparking unrest, looting, and the burning of vehicles.
Recalling a similar incident in Ghana in July 2025, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said she led a delegation to Accra to ease tensions after some groups demanded that Nigerians leave the country.
“Aggrieved Ghanaians issued our people with a quit notice, insisting that Nigerians must leave,” she stated.
The minister added that the delegation engaged President John Mahama, ministers, police officials, traditional leaders, and representatives of the Nigerian community, helping to calm the situation.
She praised President Mahama for reaffirming the free movement protocols of ECOWAS.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to enforce sanctions against individuals conferring Igbo traditional titles outside Igboland.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will assist in disseminating the Ohanaeze communiqué on the issue through Nigeria’s missions abroad,” she said.
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Senator Azuta Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, affirmed that the title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland is “alien and proscribed.”
He warned, “Anybody who is awarded such a title anywhere outside Igboland does so on his own. We will determine appropriate sanctions for violations, in consultation with traditional rulers in Igboland.”
Eziko’s coronation on March 14, 2026, in East London’s Gompo area, was condemned by local authorities as a violation of customary protocols.
Protests began on March 30, with reports of at least 13 vehicles destroyed, one stabbing, and police using tear gas and stun grenades to restore order.
The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders and the South African Department of Cooperative Governance declared the installation illegal and inconsistent with local laws.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in collaboration with the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, has formally abolished the practice of conferring Eze Ndigbo titles abroad.
While Igbo associations overseas aim to promote cultural heritage, installations of traditional rulers have repeatedly caused tension both within Igbo communities and with host nations.
The Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa distanced themselves from Eziko’s coronation, noting it was ceremonial and not officially recognised.
Deputy High Commissioner Olajide Ogunmadeji urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate conflict.