The Federal Government has expressed concern over the practice of crowning individuals as “Eze Ndigbo” (Igbo traditional rulers) in foreign countries, describing it as inappropriate and potentially damaging to Nigeria’s image abroad.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known during a meeting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s top decision-making body in Enugu, where she warned that such actions have caused diplomatic tensions in host countries.
Her remarks followed recent unrest in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where the coronation of a Nigerian man as a traditional leader sparked protests, violence, and attacks on foreign-owned properties.
She also recalled a similar situation in Ghana in 2025, where the issue led to protests and threats against Nigerians living in the country before diplomatic interventions helped to calm tensions.
The minister emphasised that while cultural expression is important, it should not conflict with the traditions and laws of host communities. She noted that Nigeria has been engaging diplomatically to resolve such disputes and protect its citizens abroad.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to enforce sanctions against individuals who continue to assume or confer such titles outside Igboland, in line with the group’s directive banning the practice.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo also reaffirmed that the title of “Eze Ndigbo” outside Igboland is not recognised, stressing that anyone who adopts it does so independently and without the backing of the Igbo people.
Authorities in South Africa had earlier declared the controversial coronation illegal, while Nigerian diplomatic missions clarified that the event was purely cultural and not an official recognition of traditional authority.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad while ensuring that cultural practices do not create conflicts with host nations.
