Nigeria Condemns Embarrassing Coronations of Eze Ndigbo Abroad as Ohanaeze Bans the Practice

By Ifeyinwa Ike

The Federal Government has sharply criticised the coronation of Eze Ndigbo (Igbo Kings) in foreign countries, calling it a major embarrassment, while Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the South East Council of Traditional Rulers formally abolished the practice outside Igboland.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, voiced the government’s stance during a meeting of Ohanaeze’s Imeobi, its top decision-making body, in Enugu.

She highlighted how these self-proclaimed kingships by Igbo diaspora groups have sparked frictions with host communities, urging cultural expression without causing nuisance to locals.

Ojukwu pointed to recent violence in South Africa’s Eastern Cape after the March 14 coronation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Eze Ndigbo na East London.” Protests erupted on March 30, organised by groups like ActionSA, leading to looting, 13 vehicles torched, a stabbing, and police using tear gas. Local leaders and South Africa’s COGTA deemed it an illegal violation of their constitution and traditions.

The Nigerian High Commission distanced itself, calling it a misinterpreted cultural event, while the embassy apologised and advised Nigerians to keep a low profile.

Deputy High Commissioner Olajide Ogunmadeji clarified to protesters that it was ceremonial, not a challenge to local authority.

The minister also recalled a 2025 incident in Ghana, where Eze Ndigbo tensions fueled protests and quit notices for Nigerians. She led a delegation to Accra, meeting President John Mahama, officials, and Igbo communities; Mahama defused the crisis, reaffirming ECOWAS free movement protocols and quashing xenophobia.

Ohanaeze President General, Senator Azuta Mbata, endorsed the ban, “Anybody awarded that title outside Igboland is on their own. It’s unknown to Igbo people.” The group plans sanctions, to be set with Igbo kings and enforced at village levels, and will notify governors and embassies worldwide.

Ojukwu pledged the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s support in spreading the communique.
The move aims to protect Nigerians abroad and preserve Igbo heritage without diplomatic fallout.