FG faults ‘Eze Ndigbo’ coronations abroad, cites diplomatic embarrassment

The Federal Government has condemned the growing practice of crowning individuals as Eze Ndigbo (Igbo traditional rulers) in foreign countries, describing it as a source of diplomatic embarrassment and a trigger for tensions with host communities.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs,  voiced the government’s position on Thursday while addressing the Imeobi, the apex decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, during its meeting in Enugu.

In a statement issued by Magnus Eze, her aide, the minister said the proliferation of such titles outside Nigeria had become “a major embarrassment to the government, Ndigbo, Nigerians, and citizens of host countries where such titles are conferred.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s remarks come amid recent unrest in Eastern Cape, South Africa, following the controversial coronation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Eze Ndigbo na East London.”

The development triggered protests in the Gompo area of East London, with demonstrators accusing the Nigerian community of attempting to establish parallel traditional authority structures.

The protests, which began on March 30, escalated into violence, including the burning of foreign-owned vehicles and looting of businesses.

Reports indicated that at least 13 vehicles were destroyed, while security forces deployed stun grenades and tear gas to restore order.

Authorities in South Africa swiftly distanced themselves from the coronation.

The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders described the act as a “flagrant violation” of customary laws, while the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs declared it illegal and inconsistent with constitutional provisions.

The minister also recalled a similar diplomatic row in Accra, Ghana, in July 2025, where tensions over the same issue led to protests and threats against Nigerians.

She said she led a federal delegation to engage Ghanaian authorities, including President John Mahama, to de-escalate the situation after some groups issued quit notices to Nigerians.

According to her, the intervention of Mahama, who reaffirmed his commitment to ECOWAS protocols on free movement, helped calm tensions and avert potential attacks on Nigerians and their businesses.

“The safety of Nigerians, their businesses, and property could have been seriously threatened but for the timely intervention,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to enforce strict sanctions against individuals who continue to adopt or confer such titles abroad, stressing that cultural expression must not conflict with the laws and traditions of host countries.

She added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would work through Nigerian embassies and missions worldwide to circulate Ohanaeze’s abolishing the titles.

Earlier, Azuta Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,  announced that the organisation, in conjunction with South-East traditional rulers, had formally abolished the conferment of Eze Ndigbo titles outside Igboland.

“Anybody who is awarded such a title anywhere outside Igboland does so on his own. It is not recognised by the Igbo people,” Mbata said.

He added that the group would notify state governments and Nigerian missions globally, while community-level sanctions would be imposed on violators.

Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa have also moved to contain the fallout.

The Nigerian High Commission described the East London coronation as a misinterpreted cultural event rather than a legitimate traditional institution.

Similarly, the Nigerian Consulate in Pretoria appealed for calm and advised Nigerians to maintain a low profile to avoid further escalation.

Olajide Ogunmadeji, Deputy High Commissioner, told protesters the coronation was largely ceremonial and not intended to undermine South Africa’s traditional leadership structures.