The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has banned the conferment and use of the title “Eze Ndigbo” outside Igboland.
The organization warned that violators will face sanctions to be determined by traditional authorities.
The directive was announced on Thursday by the President-General of the group, Azuta Mbata, during the ongoing Imeobi/General Assembly meeting held at the organisation’s national secretariat in Enugu.
Mbata stated that the decision followed extensive consultations and was reached after a joint meeting involving the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers.
He emphasised that the move was aimed at preserving the sanctity of Igbo traditional institutions and ensuring uniformity in the recognition of cultural titles.
In a strongly worded address, the Ohanaeze leader declared that any conferment of the “Eze Ndigbo” title outside the South-East would be deemed invalid and unrecognised by the Igbo people.
He added that the organisation would formally communicate its position to state governments and diplomatic missions across the world.
In his words, “The South-East is proscribing the award of the title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland. Anybody who is being awarded that type of title anywhere outside Igboland is on his own. It is unknown to the Igbo people,” Mbata said.
He further noted that all state governors and foreign embassies would be duly informed of the decision.
Reaffirming the finality of the resolution, Mbata stressed that the title, when conferred outside the South-East, would no longer be recognised by the Igbo nation.
“The position of Eze Ndigbo anywhere outside Igboland is hereby alienated and proscribed. That is the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,” he stated.
The President-General also disclosed that consultations were ongoing with traditional rulers across Igboland to determine appropriate sanctions for defaulters.
According to him, enforcement would be carried out through local structures, including town unions and community leadership.
“We will determine, in consultation with the kings of Igboland, what the punishment will be for anybody who goes against this position, and that punishment will be implemented at the village level,” he said.
Mbata added that community institutions would be mandated to enforce the sanctions once they are finalised.
“Your hometown and your town union will be under injunction to implement that punishment, but we are going to declare it after due consultation,” he noted.