Activities Of Eze Ndigbo In Foreign Countries Embarrassing – FG

The Federal Government has described the coronation and activities of self-styled Eze Ndigbo in foreign countries as deeply embarrassing.

Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, made the position clear in a statement issued on Thursday. She spoke during the Imeobi meeting, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, held in Enugu.

NaijaChoice News reports that the minister, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze, said the practice has become a major embarrassment to the Nigerian government, Ndigbo, ordinary Nigerians, and citizens of host countries.

The National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in collaboration with the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, has formally abolished the concept of Eze Igbo outside Igboland. This move aims to end the friction such titles create abroad.

The minister noted that while Igbo associations in the diaspora often organise cultural events to celebrate their heritage, the enthronement of traditional rulers has sparked unnecessary tension. Such actions, she said, affect not only relations within Igbo communities but also with host populations.

People can promote their culture without causing nuisance or challenging local authorities, the minister stressed.

A recent example unfolded in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. On March 14, 2026, Nigerian national Solomon Ogbonna Eziko was crowned “Eze Ndigbo na East London” in KuGompo City. Local residents, traditional leaders, and political groups viewed it as an unlawful challenge to South African sovereignty.

Protests erupted on March 30, organised by groups including ActionSA. The demonstrations quickly turned violent, with foreign-owned vehicles torched, shops targeted, and at least one stabbing reported. Police deployed tear gas and stun grenades to restore calm.

The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders condemned the coronation as a violation of customary protocols. South Africa’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs declared the installation illegal and unconstitutional.

Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria distanced itself from the event, describing it as a misinterpreted cultural ceremony rather than an official monarchy. The embassy issued an apology and urged Nigerians in South Africa to maintain a low profile.

Deputy High Commissioner Olajide Ogunmadeji addressed protesters, clarifying that the coronation held no formal authority over local structures.

The minister recalled a similar crisis in Ghana in July 2025, when the installation of an Eze Ndigbo triggered protests and demands for Nigerians to leave the country. She personally led a delegation to Accra to douse tensions and engage Ghanaian authorities.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to enforce sanctions against anyone flouting the new directive. She quoted Ohanaeze President-General Senator Azuta Mbata, who declared the title proscribed outside Igboland.

“Anybody awarded that type of title anywhere outside Igbo land is on his own,” Mbata said. “It is unknown to the Igbo people.”

He added that Ohanaeze would consult with traditional rulers in Igboland to determine appropriate punishment, to be implemented at the village and town union levels. The organisation plans to notify all state governors and Nigerian embassies worldwide.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged to circulate Ohanaeze’s communique through its missions and high commissions. This joint stance between government and the apex Igbo body seeks to protect Nigerians abroad from avoidable conflicts while preserving genuine cultural expression.

The development underscores growing concerns over how diaspora activities can strain Nigeria’s international relations, especially in countries already sensitive to foreign influence on local traditions.