Abuja: The Federal Government has issued a blistering condemnation of the crowning of “Eze Ndigbo” in foreign countries, warning that the violent fallout — from street riots to stabbings and torched vehicles — underscores mounting concern over the spread of these controversial activities beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, addressed the issue in a statement related to the recent Imeobi meeting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Enugu.
The statement, released by Dr Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, called the foreign coronations an embarrassment.
She emphasised that this has embarrassed the government, Ndigbo, Nigerians, and other foreigners in affected countries.
“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 caused severe friction.
This internal friction and tension with host communities result from such traditional leadership activities.
She stated cultural expression is possible without causing disturbances to host communities.
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 of East London.
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.
Eziko’s crowning on March 14, 2026, in KuGompo City, was seen as a challenge to local sovereignty and traditional leadership.
Protests began on March 30, quickly escalating as groups like ActionSA targeted foreign-owned businesses; at least 13 vehicles were destroyed.
At least one stabbing occurred; police used stun grenades and tear gas to restore order.
“The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders condemned the coronation as a flagrant violation of customary protocols.
South Africa’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs declared the installation illegal and unconstitutional.
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 a formal, recognised monarchy.
The Nigerian Embassy in Pretoria apologised, urging Nigerians in South Africa to remain low-key and avoid escalation.
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 a traditional authority that defied the existing system.
She recalled a similar incident that occurred in Ghana in July, 2025, due to the Eze Ndigbo issue, while addressing the Ohanaeze Imeobi/General Assembly.
She disclosed leading a delegation to Accra to douse tensions, as Ghanaian protesters demanded that Nigerians leave, saying aggrieved Ghanaians had issued a quit notice to compatriots, insisting that Nigerians must go.
The minister urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to impose sanctions on any person flouting its directive to abolish Igbo traditional rulership outside Igboland.
She quoted the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Sen. Azuta Mbata, as having presented the decision of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, saying it has adopted the position of the traditional rulers on abolishing the Eze Ndigbo title in the diaspora.
Anyone awarded the title outside Igbo land does so without recognition.
This is unknown to the Igbo people, and we will call upon all state governors and correspond with all embassies worldwide, informing them of the position of Ndigbo.
The Eze Ndigbo title outside Igboland is now banned and no longer recognised, according to 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.