₦airaland Forum

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)

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

I did not go through those epistle but you have no jurisdiction in foreign land. Allow the foreign cou tries involved to do their job. The on e here you have failed to do. So dear FG hide your face in shame.

MrSly:
I did not go through those epistle but you have no jurisdiction in foreign land. Allow the foreign cou tries involved to do their job. The on e here you have failed to do. So dear FG hide your face in shame.

It is Nigeria that the Eze Ndigbo's will be deported back to

Why are people not protesting in UK, Australia, Canada, and the United States? Why are only African countries protesting? There must be something wrong with the African way of reasoning.

There is one we are about to to deal with in Lagos
And May Jesus have mercy on him if he dares to try nonsense ,
There is also another one in Badagry and Gov Makinde must nullify the Oyo State one with
that ridiculous big hat

Christistruth03:
It is Nigeria that the Eze Ndigbo's will be deported back to

Finally, it is not a problem for Nigeria. The deportee is a Nigerian who escaped and the brought back. Nugeria has nothing in and out of the case. They should use their time wisely by using to face book Haram.

And the fear of TINUBU NOT VISITING AMERICA IS A DISGRACE TO APC

MrCaesar:
Why are people not protesting in UK, Australia, Canada, and the United States? Why are only African countries protesting? There must be something wrong with the African way of reasoning.

Black African counties with established kingdoms have a right to not want foreigners to start coronating themselves within the domains of their kingdom.

It is an abomination in lots of places for there to be two kings in a black African kingdom, one punishable by death to the usurper and his followers.

Only one crown, only one throne, please respect the very basics of living in a black African kingdom to avoid stories that touch.

This is one aspect of the Igbo community I abhor.
But why should SA go destroying foreign businesses and properties?
When apartheid was rife the whole world, in fact Nigeria placed all resources beyond and above to fight for the downfall of apartheid and now that is successful we've become the "not worthy citizens!"

funny






people

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."
THE WORDS OF OUR ELDERS ARE WORDS OF WISDOM. ONE IS IN THE HOPE THAT NDIGBO WILL LISTEN TO THE WORDS OF OUR ELDERS.🧐🧐🧐.

Why not complete his statement instead of picking what suits you?

jedisco:
Why not complete his statement instead of picking what suits you?

Humility listens and adjusts for acceptance. Take your choice and live with the consequences.

zoedew:
Humility listens and adjusts for acceptance. Take your choice and live with the consequences.

Typical. You don't cherrypick statements to suit your narrative. That's not critical thinking

jedisco:
Typical. You don't cherrypick statements to suit your narrative. That's not critical thinking

Critical thinking evaluates the truth or
Falsehood of a statement. Was Baba Achebe right or wrong about Ndigbo?🤔🤔🧐🧐

zoedew:
Critical thinking evaluates the truth or
Falsehood of a statement. Was Baba Achebe right or wrong about Ndigbo?🤔🤔🧐🧐

You cant come to that conclusion without fully evaluating what he said. Stop the rigmarole and post the full sentence and background upon which it was said.
You don't cherrypick to drive a dubious narrative.