Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, has revealed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has banned the coronation of “Eze Ndigbo” in foreign countries following rising diplomatic tensions and violent incidents linked to the practice.
Ojukwu disclosed this in a post on X after presenting a briefing at Imeobi Ohanaeze, the apex decision-making body of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
According to her, the meeting addressed the growing controversy surrounding the crowning of Igbo traditional rulers abroad, which she said has triggered conflicts and strained relations with host communities.
“It was a critical session as I presented a brief at ‘Imeobi Ohaneze’ ( the apex decision-making body of Ohaneze) regarding the worrisome practice of coronation of Igbo ‘kings’ overseas, a practice which has continued to trigger conflict, raising diplomatic tensions and sparking violence in the countries concerned.”
Ghana, South Africa Incidents Raise Alarm
Ojukwu cited a recent diplomatic row in Ghana, where tensions escalated following the installation of an Igbo traditional ruler, forcing diplomatic intervention by Nigerian authorities.
“We were faced with this situation in Ghana not too long ago, and it took high level diplomatic interventions to reverse the quit notice and douse tensions.”
She also referenced another controversy in Eastern Cape, South Africa, where the coronation of “Eze Ndigbo na East London” reportedly sparked violent protests.
“Now, another controversy of this nature recently escalated in Eastern Cape, South Africa, following the coronation of another ‘Eze Ndigbo na East London’, an event which had provoked outrage among local residents and authorities. The situation degenerated into violent protests, burning and looting, and destruction of at least 13 vehicles, as demonstrators opposed what they considered a challenge to local traditional authority structures.”
While acknowledging the rights of diaspora Igbo communities to promote their culture, the minister cautioned that such practices must respect host communities and local traditions.
“There is no disputing the fact that diaspora Igbo communities have the right to promote their cultural heritage, but this has to take into consideration the sensibilities of host communities.”
She further warned that the assumption of traditional rulership roles abroad is often perceived as provocative.
“Assumption of traditional rulership roles in foreign lands is more often than not, viewed as an affront by host populations and the excessive display of wealth by Nigerians, the opulence and flamboyance that accompany such events in countries where the average citizen is struggling to survive is downright insensitive.”
Ojukwu suggested that diaspora leaders should adopt culturally appropriate titles instead of royal ones.
“Leaders of Igbo Communities in countries abroad may be called ‘Onyendu’ which means leader and certainly more acceptable than crowning themselves Kings or Ezes in another’s domain.”
Ohanaeze Moves to Enforce Ban
The minister commended Ohanaeze Ndigbo for taking a decisive stance, including the possibility of sanctions for violators.
“Kudos to Ohaneze for weighing in more decisively on this matter with an outright ban on such titles outside Nigeria and the potential introduction of sanctions. A few individuals cannot continue to expose others to risk of losing lives and property in pursuit of vainglory.”
She added that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun diplomatic engagement to manage the situation globally.
> “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is activating diplomatic channels to manage this situation, and will circulate this injunction through our missions to host governments abroad.”