Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has outlawed the coronation of ‘Eze Ndigbo’ (King of the Igbos) in foreign countries following violent protests linked to a recent ceremony in South Africa.
Igbo communities in the diaspora often organise cultural events to preserve their heritage, during which a selected individual is sometimes given the title of ‘Eze Ndigbo’ as a community leader.
However, a coronation held last month in Kugompo, South London in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa triggered unrest, with angry locals reportedly burning vehicles and properties belonging to foreign nationals.
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa later apologised, clarifying that the event was symbolic rather than political.
A similar situation occurred in Ghana in July 2025, where protests broke out and demonstrators called for Nigerians to leave the country. In response, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu led a delegation to Accra to ease tensions.
On Thursday, the Imeobi—the apex decision-making body of Ohanaeze—convened in Enugu to address the issue. Speaking at the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the overseas coronations as a major embarrassment to Nigeria, noting that cultural expression should not disrupt host communities.
Following deliberations, Ohanaeze’s national executive committee, alongside the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, formally scrapped the recognition of ‘Eze Ndigbo’ titles outside Igboland.
Presenting the resolution, Azuta Mbata stated: “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.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would relay the decision through Nigeria’s embassies and high commissions worldwide.