By Nworisa Michael
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Azuta Mbata, has declared that the conferment and use of the title “Eze Ndigbo” outside Igbo land is no longer valid, warning that violators will face sanctions.
Mbata made the announcement on Thursday during the ongoing Imeobi/General Assembly meeting of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body held at its secretariat in Enugu.
He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations and a joint resolution reached between the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the leadership of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers.
In his address, Mbata stated that the organisation would formally notify state governments and diplomatic missions worldwide of its position on the controversial title.
“Southeast is proscribing the award of the title of Eze Ndigbo outside of Igbo land. 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,” he said.
He added, “We will call upon all state governors and correspond to all embassies in the world informing them about the position of Igbo.”
The Ohanaeze leader emphasised that the decision is final and binding, stressing that any such title conferred outside the South-East region would no longer be recognised by the Igbo people.
“The position of Eze Ndigbo anywhere outside Igbo land is hereby alienated and proscribed. That is the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,” Mbata declared.
He further revealed that consultations are ongoing with traditional rulers across Igbo land to determine appropriate sanctions for individuals who violate the directive.
“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 your village level,” he said.
According to him, enforcement will be carried out through local community structures, including town unions and traditional institutions.
“Your hometown, your town union will be under injunction to implement that punishment, but we are going to declare that punishment after due consultation,” he added.
The move marks a significant step by Ohanaeze Ndigbo to assert cultural authority and standardise the use of traditional titles among Igbo communities both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
