Eze Ndigbo’ titles abroad ‘a major embarrassment’ — FG

The federal government has condemned the conferment of “Eze Ndigbo” titles on individuals in foreign countries, describing the practice as damaging to Nigeria’s image and capable of triggering tensions in host communities.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated this on Thursday while addressing the Imeobi, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in Enugu.

“The situation has become a major embarrassment to the government, Ndigbo, Nigerians, and citizens of host countries where such titles are conferred,” she said in a report by The PUNCH newspaper.

Her remarks come amid fallout from unrest in Eastern Cape, South Africa, following the coronation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Eze Ndigbo na East London.” The development sparked protests by residents and political groups, which escalated into violence, including the burning of foreign-owned vehicles and looting.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu warned that cultural practices must not clash with the laws and traditions of host countries, noting ongoing diplomatic efforts to contain tensions.

She also recalled a similar incident in Ghana in July 2025, where protests over the issue led to calls for Nigerians to leave. “Aggrieved Ghanaians issued our people with a quit notice, insisting that Nigerians must leave,” she said.

According to the minister, a Nigerian delegation engaged top Ghanaian officials, including President John Mahama, as well as security chiefs and traditional leaders, to defuse the situation. She credited Mahama’s intervention for restoring calm, noting his stance that there was “no place for xenophobia” in the country.

She added that the safety of Nigerians and their businesses in Ghana could have been at risk without the swift diplomatic response.

The minister urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to enforce sanctions against individuals who disregard its directive abolishing such titles outside Igboland, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would support efforts to circulate the group’s position through Nigeria’s missions abroad.