South-East Traditional Rulers Abolish “Eze Ndigbo” Title for Diaspora Leaders, Introduce “Onyendu Ndigbo”
The South-East Council of Traditional Rulers has formally abolished the use of the title “Eze Ndigbo” by Igbo leaders living outside Igbo land. In a communique obtained by SaharaReporters, the council announced the adoption of a new title—“Onyendu Ndigbo”—for Diaspora-based leaders.
The resolution was signed by prominent monarchs, including Eze E.C. Okeke (Eze Imo) and the Chairman of the Council, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe. According to the statement, the decision is aimed at preserving the sanctity of the “Eze” title, which is reserved strictly for enthroned traditional rulers with ancestral authority over a defined territory within Igbo land.
The council clarified that the “Eze” title is not honorary or political but deeply rooted in sacred customs, rituals, and ancestral lineage. They acknowledged the positive contributions of Igbo leaders abroad in fostering unity and peace but warned that the continued use of the “Eze Ndigbo” title undermines traditional authority and distorts cultural identity.
Effective immediately, the newly approved title “Onyendu Ndigbo” is to replace “Eze Ndigbo” across all official platforms—documents, signage, letterheads, and public functions. Non-compliance, the council warned, would be seen as an act of defiance and cultural insubordination.
This decision follows recent controversy in Ghana, where the installation of Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu as “Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana” and the unveiling of a royal palace in Accra sparked public backlash and raised questions about sovereignty and traditional legitimacy.
The council emphasized that the move is necessary to safeguard Igbo heritage, ensure cultural consistency, and build respectful partnerships between homeland traditional institutions and Diaspora communities.
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