The Federal Government has criticised the increasing practice of installing Eze Ndigbo in foreign countries, describing it as embarrassing and a trigger for diplomatic and communal tensions, as efforts intensify to prohibit the trend.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Dr. Magnus Eze, aide to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the government said it is collaborating with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the South East Council of Traditional Rulers to end such coronations outside Igboland.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, raised the concern during a meeting of Imeobi—the apex decision-making body of Ohanaeze—in Enugu, warning that the trend has become problematic.
She noted that while diaspora groups are encouraged to promote Igbo culture, the creation of traditional rulership structures abroad has sparked recurring disputes within communities and strained relations with host countries.
According to her, cultural expression should not generate conflict or be perceived as undermining the authority of host nations.
“The situation has become a major embarrassment to the government, Ndigbo, Nigerians, and even foreigners in countries where such titles exist,” she said.
The government’s stance follows recent unrest in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where the controversial coronation of an Igbo leader as Eze Ndigbo in East London led to protests, violence, and clashes with security agencies.
Authorities in South Africa reportedly declared the installation illegal, while traditional institutions condemned it as a breach of established customs.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is engaging diplomatic channels to manage the fallout, adding that Nigeria’s mission in South Africa had distanced itself from the event, describing it as a misinterpreted cultural gathering rather than a recognised traditional institution.
She also recalled a similar incident in Ghana in July 2025, which sparked tensions and threats against Nigerians, but was later resolved through high-level diplomatic intervention, including engagement with President John Mahama.
According to her, the intervention helped safeguard Nigerians and their businesses at the time.Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has formally endorsed the decision of South East traditional rulers to abolish the Eze Ndigbo title in the diaspora.
President-General of the group, Senator Azuta Mbata, said such titles would no longer be recognised outside Igboland, adding that governments and foreign missions would be notified of the position.
“Anyone conferred with such a title outside Igboland does so on their own. It is not recognised by the Igbo people,” he said, noting that sanctions would be imposed on violators through established community structures.
The Federal Government also assured that its embassies and high commissions worldwide would support efforts to enforce the directive and prevent further diplomatic misunderstandings.
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