By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Federal Government, in collaboration with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has banned the conferment and coronation of “Eze Ndigbo” titles in foreign countries, describing the practice as inappropriate and capable of triggering diplomatic and security concerns.
The position was conveyed by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, during a meeting of Imeobi—the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze—held in Enugu.
In a statement issued by her media aide, Magnus Eze, the minister warned that the practice has, in recent times, led to violent backlash against Nigerians in some countries.
She cited a recent incident in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where the coronation of a Nigerian, Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, as “Eze Ndigbo na East London” sparked protests by local residents, traditional leaders, and political groups. The development reportedly escalated into violence, including the burning of foreign-owned vehicles and looting, with authorities declaring the coronation illegal.
Ojukwu also referenced a similar diplomatic tension in Ghana in July 2025, where protests erupted with calls for Nigerians to leave the country. She noted that the situation was later resolved following intervention by the Ghanaian government, which reaffirmed its stance against xenophobia.
The minister urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to enforce strict sanctions against individuals who disregard the directive, stressing the need to preserve Nigeria’s image and maintain peaceful relations with host countries.
In its response, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Azuta Mbata, declared the title abolished outside Igboland, noting that offenders would face sanctions at the community level.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria has advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to maintain a low profile and avoid actions that could heighten tensions within their host communities.
The joint directive underscores growing concerns over the implications of traditional titles in diaspora and their potential to strain diplomatic relations.
