South-East traditional rulers abolish ‘Eze Ndigbo’ title outside Igbo land
The South-East Council of Traditional Rulers has formally abolished the use of the title “Eze Ndigbo” [King of Igbos] by Igbo leaders residing outside Igbo land, replacing it with a newly sanctioned title, “Onyendu Ndigbo,” meaning “Leader of the Igbo people.”
This resolution was disclosed in a statement obtained by SaharaReporters and jointly signed by prominent monarchs, including Eze E.C. Okeke (Eze Imo) and Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, who serves as chairman of the council.
According to the council, the move aims to protect the sanctity of the “Eze” title, which is traditionally conferred only on enthroned rulers with ancestral ties and spiritual authority over established Igbo communities. They stressed that the “Eze” designation is not an honorary or political accolade, but one steeped in sacred customs and indigenous rites.
The council noted the growing trend of Igbo leaders in the Diaspora adopting the “Eze Ndigbo” title, a practice they believe undermines the cultural and spiritual significance of traditional rulership.
While commending the unifying efforts of Igbo Diaspora leaders in promoting peace and cultural identity abroad, the monarchs emphasised that the new title, “Onyendu Ndigbo,” should now be used uniformly in all formal and public capacities, including on documents, signage, letterheads, and during events.
Non-compliance with this directive, the council warned, will be regarded as an act of defiance and a breach of respect toward Igbo traditional institutions.
“This is a necessary step to uphold the dignity and integrity of our ancestral institutions,” the council stated, urging all Igbo leaders abroad to embrace the change in the spirit of unity and cultural preservation.
The decision follows recent controversy in Ghana, where the crowning of Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu as “Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana,” along with the inauguration of a palace in Accra, sparked public outcry over cultural overreach and concerns about sovereignty within host nations.
By redefining the role and identity of Igbo leaders outside the homeland, the council hopes to foster greater alignment between Diaspora leadership and the traditional custodians of Igbo heritage.
