By Emmanuel Obisue
The Federal Government has expressed concern over the growing trend of coronating Eze Ndigbo in foreign countries, describing the development as embarrassing and capable of straining relations with host nations.
The position was made known during a meeting of Imeobi, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, held in Enugu on Thursday.
A statement issued by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the Federal Government’s stance while addressing the gathering, which included members of the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the South East Council of Traditional Rulers.
“Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu who made the position of Government known at the meeting of Imeobi; the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Enugu on Thursday, said the situation is has become a big embarrassment to government, Ndigbo, Nigerians and other foreigners in those countries where they have Eze Ndigbo.
“Igbo associations in diaspora usually stage cultural activities to promote their heritage. Unfortunately, the enthronment of traditional rulership by some of these Igbo groups has severally caused friction not just among the Igbo communities themselves but also between the Igbo and their host communities,” the statement read.
It added that the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in collaboration with the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, has abolished the concept of Eze Igbo outside Igboland, citing the need to preserve harmony and respect for host communities. The minister stressed that while cultural expression in the diaspora remains important, it must not create tension or conflict.
The development follows recent unrest in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where the controversial coronation of a Nigerian, Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, as “Eze Ndigbo na East London” triggered violent protests. The incident led to the destruction of no fewer than 13 vehicles, looting of foreign-owned businesses, and at least one reported stabbing, prompting security forces to deploy stun grenades and tear gas to restore order.
South African authorities, including the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, condemned the coronation as a violation of customary protocols, while the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs declared it illegal. Nigeria’s High Commission in South Africa distanced itself from the event, describing it as a misinterpreted cultural ceremony rather than a legitimate traditional installation.
The Nigerian Embassy in Pretoria subsequently issued an apology over the incident, urging Nigerians in the country to maintain a low profile and avoid further confrontations. The Deputy High Commissioner, Olajide Ogunmadeji, also clarified to aggrieved groups that the event was purely ceremonial.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further recalled a similar incident in Ghana in July 2025, which sparked tensions and protests against Nigerians. She noted that her intervention, alongside engagements with Ghanaian authorities, including President John Mahama, helped to de-escalate the situation.
She warned that the safety of Nigerians and their businesses abroad could be jeopardised by such developments and urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to enforce sanctions against individuals who violate the directive abolishing traditional rulership titles outside Igboland.
