The South-East Council of Traditional Rulers has officially abolished the use of the title “Eze Ndigbo” by Igbo leaders residing outside Igbo land, replacing it with a new designation: “Onyendu Ndigbo.”
In a communiqué on Thursday, the Council clarified that the revered title “Eze” is a sacred and traditional designation reserved strictly for enthroned monarchs within the South-East geopolitical zone who have undergone formal rites and ancestral coronation by their communities or kingdoms.
The communique was signed by prominent royal fathers including His Royal Majesty Eze E.C. Okeke (Eze Imo) and His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, who also serves as the Council’s leader.
The Council said the decision was aimed at preserving the sanctity of Igbo traditions and eliminating confusion over the proliferation of self-styled “Eze Ndigbo” titles in the Diaspora. It stated that the use of the “Eze” title outside Igbo land undermines cultural authority and creates friction with both host governments and traditional institutions back home.
“A true ‘Eze’ must be rooted in his ancestral domain. It is not a political or ceremonial title; it is sacred, spiritual, and governed by traditional laws,” the Council emphasized.
The new title, “Onyendu Ndigbo”, is to be adopted with immediate effect by all Igbo leaders operating outside the five South-East states or abroad. The directive applies to official documents, signage, letterheads, and public engagements.
The Council warned that any refusal to adopt the new title will be treated as “a serious act of defiance and misconduct,” and a disregard for Igbo traditional authority and judicial pronouncements.
While acknowledging the important role played by Igbo leaders abroad in unifying Ndigbo and fostering peace with host communities, the royal fathers urged them to embrace the new identity in the spirit of cultural unity and mutual respect.
This development follows months of growing tension over the activities of some self-proclaimed “Eze Ndigbo” across foreign cities. Notably on July 8 reported a wave of protests and heated debate in Ghana after the installation of one Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu as “Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana”, sparking concerns about sovereignty and the cultural limits of Igbo leadership abroad.
Images of Eze Ihenetu’s elaborately adorned palace in Accra drew criticism from youth groups and traditional figures in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
This is not the first time the Council has moved to curtail the unauthorised use of the “Eze” title. In 2024, the body issued a similar directive urging the retirement of the “Eze Ndigbo in Diaspora” title, citing cultural distortion.
The Council now calls on all stakeholders — including diaspora associations, traditional groups, and government agencies — to support the enforcement of the new policy to preserve the dignity and authenticity of Igbo heritage.
“Let us work together to protect the sacred symbols of our culture,” the statement concluded.
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