The Federal Government has condemned the increasing practice of installing Eze Ndigbo in foreign countries, describing it as embarrassing and capable of triggering diplomatic and communal tensions.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the government said it is already working with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the South East Council of Traditional Rulers to abolish the practice outside Igboland, warning that the trend poses risks to Nigeria’s international relations and the safety of its citizens abroad.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, raised the concern while addressing a meeting of Imeobi, the apex decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, held in Enugu. She noted that while cultural associations in the diaspora play a vital role in preserving Igbo heritage, the introduction of traditional rulership structures in foreign lands has created avoidable tensions.
According to her, the development has become a source of growing concern for both the Nigerian government and host nations, as it often leads to internal disputes within diaspora communities and friction with local authorities.
“The situation has become a big embarrassment to the government, Ndigbo, Nigerians and even foreigners in countries where such titles are being conferred,” she said, stressing that cultural expression should not be misconstrued as an attempt to replicate or impose traditional authority systems outside Nigeria.
The Federal Government’s position comes against the backdrop of recent unrest in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where the controversial coronation of an Igbo leader as Eze Ndigbo in East London sparked protests. The incident reportedly escalated into violence, with destruction of property and clashes involving security agencies.
Authorities in South Africa, including the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, declared the installation illegal, while local traditional institutions described it as a violation of established customs and governance structures.
Ojukwu disclosed that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since activated diplomatic channels to manage the fallout from the incident and prevent further escalation. She added that Nigeria’s mission in South Africa had distanced itself from the coronation, clarifying that it was merely a cultural gathering that had been misinterpreted and not an officially recognised traditional institution.
The minister also recalled a similar development in Ghana in July 2025, which led to heightened tensions and threats against Nigerians residing in the country. She explained that the situation was eventually contained through high-level diplomatic engagement with the Ghanaian government, including discussions with former President John Mahama, who rejected xenophobic reactions and reaffirmed regional cooperation under ECOWAS protocols.
According to her, the swift intervention helped safeguard the lives, businesses and properties of Nigerians who were at risk during the crisis.
Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has formally aligned with the position of South East traditional rulers by abolishing the recognition of Eze Ndigbo titles in the diaspora.
The President General of the organisation, Azuta Mbata, stated that such titles would no longer be recognised outside Igboland, adding that the decision would be formally communicated to governments and Nigerian missions across the world.
“Anybody who is being awarded that type of title anywhere outside of Igbo land is on his own. It is unknown to the Igbo people, and we will notify all embassies globally about the position of Ndigbo,” he said.
Mbata further revealed that sanctions would be introduced for individuals who violate the directive, with enforcement mechanisms to be coordinated through traditional and community structures within Igboland.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to supporting the enforcement of the directive through its foreign missions and high commissions, with a view to preventing further misunderstandings and preserving Nigeria’s diplomatic integrity.
The development signals a coordinated effort by both government and traditional institutions to address a growing cultural and diplomatic challenge, while reinforcing the need for responsible representation of Nigerian traditions in the global space.
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