₦airaland Forum

The Federal Government has described the coronation and activities of Eze Ndigbo “Igbo Kings” in foreign countries as embarrassing.

Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, against the backdrop of the Imeobi meeting, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Enugu.

The minister in the statement issued by Dr Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, described the situation as an embarrassment.

According to her, it has become a big embarrassment to the government, Ndigbo, Nigerians and other foreigners in those countries, where they have Eze Ndigbo.

“This is as the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in collaboration with the South East Council of Traditional Rulers abolished the concept of Eze Igbo outside Igboland”.

She narrated that Igbo associations in diaspora usually stage cultural activities to promote their heritage, but unfortunately, the enthronement of traditional rulership by some of these Igbo groups has severely caused friction.

This, according to her, is not just among the Igbo communities themselves, but also between the Igbo and their host communities.

The minister stated that people could still express themselves culturally without causing nuisance to the indigenous people of the host country and others.

She recounted that recently, violent protests erupted in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, following the controversial coronation of a Nigerian Igbo leader, Solomon Eziko, as “Eze Ndigbo na East London” Igbo King in East London.African economy outlook

Also the event sparked an outcry from local residents, traditional leaders, and political parties, leading to violence, the torching of foreign-owned vehicles, and looting.

“On March 14, 2026, Eziko was crowned as a traditional leader in KuGompo City, East London, a move interpreted by South Africans as an unlawful challenge to local sovereignty and traditional leadership structures.

“Protests began on March 30, with demonstrations organised by groups including ActionSA, which quickly escalated into violence. The protesters targeted foreign-owned businesses and vehicles, with reports of no fewer than 13 vehicles being destroyed.

“At least one stabbing incident was reported, and police had to use stun grenades and tear gas to restore order.

“The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders condemned the coronation as flagrant violation of customary protocols.

Also, the South African government’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs declared the installation illegal and in violation of the constitution,” she said.

She revealed that the ministry deployed diplomatic channels in tackling the situation, adding that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa distanced itself from the coronation, acknowledging it was a cultural event misinterpreted and not formal, recognised monarchy.African economy outlook

She also said the Nigerian Embassy in Pretoria officially apologised for the confusion and crisis, urging Nigerians in South Africa to maintain a low profile and avoid further confrontations.

The minister said the Deputy High Commissioner, Olajide Ogunmadeji, had addressed some protesters saying the situation was misinterpreted, as the coronation was only ceremonial, rather than the installation of traditional authority that defied the existing system.

She recalled a similar incident that occurred in Ghana in July, 2025 because of the Eze Ndigbo issue, while addressing the Ohanaeze Imeobi/General Assembly.

She disclosed leading delegation to Accra to douse the tension, as Ghanaian protesters demanded Nigerians must leave, saying aggrieved Ghanaians issued compatriots quit notice, insisting Nigerians must go.

The minister urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to prescribe sanctions for any persons flouting its directive abolishing Igbo traditional rulership outside Igboland.

She quoted the President_General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Sen. Azuta Mbata, to have presented the decision of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, saying they have adopted the position of the traditional rulers abolishing the Eze Ndigbo title in diaspora.

“Anybody who is being awarded that type of title anywhere outside of Igbo land is on his own.

It is unknown to the Igbo people and we will call upon all state governors, we will correspond to all embassies in the world informing them about the position of Ndigbo.

“The position of Eze Ndigbo anywhere outside Igbo land is hereby alienated and proscribed. That is the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

“We will determine in consultation with the kings of Igbo land what the punishment will be for anybody who goes against this position and that punishment will be implemented at the village level.

Your hometown, your town union will be under injunction to implement that punishment but we are going to declare that punishment after due consultation.”

She further assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would help disseminate the Ohanaeze communique on the issue through its Missions and High Commissions. (NAN)

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/04/eze-ndigbo-coronation-abroad-embarrassing-fg/

E never reach everybody. You guys should still wait. When small small African countries start blacklisting Nigeria citizen from entering their country that's when you'll know.

For how many times will they abolish the nnonsens.

You people will still abolish it again in few days after another Eze Ndigbo of Gambia spring up.

dododawa1:
The Federal Government has described the coronation and activities of Eze Ndigbo “Igbo Kings” in foreign countries as embarrassing.

Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, against the backdrop of the Imeobi meeting, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Enugu.

The minister in the statement issued by Dr Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, described the situation as an embarrassment.

According to her, it has become a big embarrassment to the government, Ndigbo, Nigerians and other foreigners in those countries, where they have Eze Ndigbo.

“This is as the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in collaboration with the South East Council of Traditional Rulers abolished the concept of Eze Igbo outside Igboland”.

She narrated that Igbo associations in diaspora usually stage cultural activities to promote their heritage, but unfortunately, the enthronement of traditional rulership by some of these Igbo groups has severely caused friction.

This, according to her, is not just among the Igbo communities themselves, but also between the Igbo and their host communities.

The minister stated that people could still express themselves culturally without causing nuisance to the indigenous people of the host country and others.

She recounted that recently, violent protests erupted in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, following the controversial coronation of a Nigerian Igbo leader, Solomon Eziko, as “Eze Ndigbo na East London” Igbo King in East London.African economy outlook

Also the event sparked an outcry from local residents, traditional leaders, and political parties, leading to violence, the torching of foreign-owned vehicles, and looting.

“On March 14, 2026, Eziko was crowned as a traditional leader in KuGompo City, East London, a move interpreted by South Africans as an unlawful challenge to local sovereignty and traditional leadership structures.

“Protests began on March 30, with demonstrations organised by groups including ActionSA, which quickly escalated into violence. The protesters targeted foreign-owned businesses and vehicles, with reports of no fewer than 13 vehicles being destroyed.

“At least one stabbing incident was reported, and police had to use stun grenades and tear gas to restore order.

“The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders condemned the coronation as flagrant violation of customary protocols.

Also, the South African government’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs declared the installation illegal and in violation of the constitution,” she said.

She revealed that the ministry deployed diplomatic channels in tackling the situation, adding that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa distanced itself from the coronation, acknowledging it was a cultural event misinterpreted and not formal, recognised monarchy.African economy outlook

She also said the Nigerian Embassy in Pretoria officially apologised for the confusion and crisis, urging Nigerians in South Africa to maintain a low profile and avoid further confrontations.

The minister said the Deputy High Commissioner, Olajide Ogunmadeji, had addressed some protesters saying the situation was misinterpreted, as the coronation was only ceremonial, rather than the installation of traditional authority that defied the existing system.

She recalled a similar incident that occurred in Ghana in July, 2025 because of the Eze Ndigbo issue, while addressing the Ohanaeze Imeobi/General Assembly.

She disclosed leading delegation to Accra to douse the tension, as Ghanaian protesters demanded Nigerians must leave, saying aggrieved Ghanaians issued compatriots quit notice, insisting Nigerians must go.

The minister urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to prescribe sanctions for any persons flouting its directive abolishing Igbo traditional rulership outside Igboland.

She quoted the President_General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Sen. Azuta Mbata, to have presented the decision of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, saying they have adopted the position of the traditional rulers abolishing the Eze Ndigbo title in diaspora.

“Anybody who is being awarded that type of title anywhere outside of Igbo land is on his own.

It is unknown to the Igbo people and we will call upon all state governors, we will correspond to all embassies in the world informing them about the position of Ndigbo.

“The position of Eze Ndigbo anywhere outside Igbo land is hereby alienated and proscribed. That is the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

“We will determine in consultation with the kings of Igbo land what the punishment will be for anybody who goes against this position and that punishment will be implemented at the village level.

Your hometown, your town union will be under injunction to implement that punishment but we are going to declare that punishment after due consultation.”

She further assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would help disseminate the Ohanaeze communique on the issue through its Missions and High Commissions. (NAN)

Chinua Achebe a prominent Igbo and a global literary icon had this to say about The Igbo, his kith and kin -"There is no doubt at all that there is a strand in contemporary Igbo behaviour that can offend; by its noisy exhibitionism and disregard for humility and quietness."
THE WORDS OF OUR ELDERS ARE WORDS OF WISDOM. ONE IS IN THE HOPE THAT NDIGBO WILL LISTEN TO THE WORDS OF OUR ELDERS.🧐🧐🧐.

zoedew:
Chinua Achebe a prominent Igbo and a global literary icon had this to say about The Igbo, his kith and kin -"There is no doubt at all that there is a strand in contemporary Igbo behaviour that can offend; by its noisy exhibitionism and disregard for humility and quietness."

I say e go reach everybody. Outsiders don't know Chinua Achebe or Igbos. They only know us as Nigerians. So when those nonsensical behaviour gets out of the roof, na all of us go bear the brunt.

Either we start changing it for them now collectively or we allowed them battered the image of the country so much that our passport won't be able to visit Benin without presidential help.

Why are the people concerned haven't banned the Eze Ndigbo title outside Nigeria. Majority of those parading themselves as kings outside Nigeria do not even come from a royal family.

Also, the Eze Ndigbo is always causing factions and division plus disrespecting local rules

It should be banned permanently. The Ghanaians started a new protest this week after the Sa Eze Ndigbo palava

alanto:
E never reach everybody. You guys should still wait. When small small African countries start blacklisting Nigeria citizen from entering their country that's when you'll know.

Let the Igbo's speak with one voice this time around and ban the Eze Ndigbo title outside Nigeria

Unfortunately, the Igbo's themselves have different groups that speak for the region even though they are always contradicting themselves

Ipob opinion is entirely different from someone not associating with the group

Igbo politicians ideology is totally different from the locals

alanto:
I say e go reach everybody. Outsiders don't know Chinua Achebe or Igbos. They only know us as Nigerians. So when those nonsensical behaviour gets out of the roof, na all of us go bear the brunt.

Either we start changing it for them now collectively or we allowed them battered the image of the country so much that our passport won't be able to visit Benin without presidential help.

I just hope they listen to the voice of the elders. The typical Igbo who has money listens to no one!

alanto:
I say e go reach everybody. Outsiders don't know Chinua Achebe or Igbos. They only know us as Nigerians. So when those nonsensical behaviour gets out of the roof, na all of us go bear the brunt.

Either we start changing it for them now collectively or we allowed them battered the image of the country so much that our passport won't be able to visit Benin without presidential help.

You're not a wise fellow at all.

Instead of changing it for them now collectively while not help in demanding that they go their separate way.

They should have their own independent country, or are you afraid of staying alone? UNITY BEGGERS EVERYWHERE.

Wizardslayer:
You're not a wise fellow at all.

Instead of changing it for them now collectively while not help in demanding that they go their separate way.

They should have their own independent country, or are you afraid of staying alone? UNITY BEGGERS EVERYWHERE.

You had your sit at home for good 2 years without FG intervening. How much more do you want to have your Biafra, control your region?

Mr Wiso

There is nothing ohaneze can do about it. They have banned eze ndigbo outside lgbo land on basis of you can't be a king outside your territory. Also you can't be a king to lgbos from different villages because they already have kings in their village. If some stubborn and misguided folks with money decides to coronation themselves king. That is their problem. Ohaneze did not crown them king. Las last the title is a waste of time because eze ndi lgbo has no power to summon any lgbo man.

The FG should give a go-ahead to countries to arrest and jail those foolish people using such titles to feel good about themselves. The SE traditional rulers council abolished that nonsense several years ago

Normal drug baron move

BLAME IT ON A TRIBE or

BLAME IT ON A COMMUNITY

Normal people should not fall for this

Even if you enthrone someone as Eze Ndigbo in another land, you can do it without making too much noise and fanfare. The noise is the major problem.


Ndigbo can you do things with shrewd discretion at all?

Wizardslayer:
You're not a wise fellow at all.

Instead of changing it for them now collectively while not help in demanding that they go their separate way.

They should have their own independent country, or are you afraid of staying alone? UNITY BEGGERS EVERYWHERE.

The wise one. Can you tell me and the general public what's stopping or holding you back?

I can bet my life you are not presently in the SE region but in other parts of Nigeria enjoying one Nigeria.

What stops your legislators, governors and monarchs (if you have any) and what have you from leaving Nigeria? Why is Obi contesting to be president?

If you all want to leave so bad, why's there so much peace in the whole region the moment Nnamdi Kanu was jailed for life?

Wizardslayer:
You're not a wise fellow at all.

Instead of changing it for them now collectively while not help in demanding that they go their separate way.

They should have their own independent country, or are you afraid of staying alone? UNITY BEGGERS EVERYWHERE.

but guy truth b told....we too de do abeg....d average Igbo man once there's money is proud n won't listen....i pray we listen and learn to become meek....there's no offence if we make money and remain humble

People just dont understand that "Eze Ndigbo" is just a cultural title. There is nothing political about it. Although Eze Ndigbo translates as King of Igbos, the holder is no King, and is just a cultural leader of an Igbo community in diaspora

Enemies of the Igbo nation have turned what is purely a cultural thing, to mean a political thing, and in the process, caused unnecessary problems. They tried to paint Eze Ndigbo Ghana as someone seeking political control in Ghana, now they have tried to do the same in South Africa. A purely cultural title. I tell my fellow Igbos that you are surrounded by enemies in Nigeria, and the earlier Igbos get their own seperate independent country out of Nigeria, the better for all Igbos

Its terrible

Na today, they will continue in black markets

Yoruba FG, irrelevant talk

As igbo man I be I condem that madness of our people outside igboland.

I always tell them that is illegal, where some drunkard people will just gather and call one useless man Eze igbo.

People should not practice their culture because they're in a foreign land?

The Federal Government has described the coronation and activities of Eze Ndigbo “Igbo Kings” in foreign countries as embarrassing.

Ahh ahhhh ahhhhrrr 😅😂🤣

Pained people. Una go cry taya.

I just love ibo girls

I love dem die

Davinity:
People should not practice their culture because they're in a foreign land?

Don't install kings outside your ancestral land, sink this inside your skull 📌💯.

Removing sentiment, that's so true. You have no idea what it means until it's done to you...