Federal Government describes overseas Eze Ndigbo enthronement as humiliating

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Bianca Ojukwu

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By Favour Ulebor

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The Federal Government has condemned the growing trend of crowning Eze Ndigbo in foreign countries, describing it as embarrassing and capable of causing diplomatic and communal tensions.

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In a press statement signed by Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Magnus Eze, on Thursday, the government said it is working with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the South East Council of Traditional Rulers to abolish the practice outside Igboland.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who spoke at a meeting of Imeobi, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze, in Enugu, said the development has become a source of concern.

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She explained that while Igbo associations in the diaspora often organise cultural activities to promote their heritage, the introduction of traditional rulership structures abroad has led to repeated conflicts within communities and with host countries.

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According to her, people can express their culture without creating tension or appearing to challenge the authority of their host nations.

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She said, “The situation has become a big embarrassment to government, Ndigbo, Nigerians and other foreigners in those countries where they have Eze Ndigbo.”

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The government’s position comes amid recent unrest in South Africa’s Eastern Cape following the controversial coronation of an Igbo leader as Eze Ndigbo in East London.

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The incident triggered protests by local groups and traditional leaders, leading to violence, destruction of property and clashes with security agencies.

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Authorities in South Africa, including the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, reportedly declared the installation illegal, while local traditional institutions described it as a violation of established customs.

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Ojukwu said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is already engaging through diplomatic channels to manage the fallout and prevent further escalation.

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She added that Nigeria’s mission in South Africa had distanced itself from the coronation, describing it as a cultural event that was misinterpreted and not an officially recognised traditional institution.

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The minister also recalled a similar incident in Ghana in July 2025, which led to tensions and threats against Nigerians living in the country.

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She said the situation was later brought under control after high-level diplomatic engagement with the government of Ghana, including a meeting with President John Mahama, who rejected xenophobia and reaffirmed regional cooperation under ECOWAS protocols.

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According to her, the intervention helped to protect Nigerians, whose lives, businesses and properties were at risk at the time.

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Meanwhile, the leadership of Ohanaeze has formally adopted the position of South East traditional rulers, abolishing the Eze Ndigbo title in the diaspora.

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President General of Ohanaeze, Senator Azuta Mbata, said the organisation would no longer recognise such titles outside Igboland and plans to communicate the decision to governments and embassies worldwide.

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“Anybody who is being awarded that type of title anywhere outside of Igbo land is on his own. It’s unknown to the Igbo people and we will call upon all state governors, we’ll correspond to all embassies in the world informing them about the position of Ndigbo,” he said.

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He added that sanctions would be introduced for violators, to be enforced through community structures across Igboland.

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The Federal Government also assured that it would support the dissemination of the directive through its foreign missions and high commissions to prevent further misunderstandings abroad.

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