The Federal Government has criticised the coronation of individuals claiming the title of Eze Ndigbo (Igbo traditional rulers) in foreign countries, describing the practice as “embarrassing” and a source of diplomatic tension.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, spoke on the issue during a meeting of Imeobi, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, held in Enugu on Thursday.
In a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, she said, “The situation has become a major embarrassment to the government, Ndigbo, Nigerians, and citizens of host countries where such titles are conferred.”
The remarks come after violent protests erupted in South Africa’s Eastern Cape over the coronation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Eze Ndigbo na East London,” which led to unrest, looting, and the burning of vehicles.
The minister also recalled a similar incident in Ghana in July 2025, when protests over an Eze Ndigbo title prompted some groups to demand that Nigerians leave the country. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu led a delegation to Accra to ease tensions, meeting with President John Mahama, ministers, the Inspector-General of Police, traditional authorities, and Nigerian community representatives.
She stressed that cultural expressions should not create conflicts with host communities, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to use diplomatic channels to address the situation in South Africa.
“Aggrieved Ghanaians issued our people with a quit notice, insisting that Nigerians must leave,” she said, adding that tensions were reduced following President Mahama’s intervention, who emphasised that xenophobia has no place in Ghana.
