The South East Council of Traditional Rulers has officially abolished the use of the title ‘Eze Ndigbo’ for Igbo leaders residing outside Igboland. The decision was reached after extensive meetings and deliberations by the council, according to its chairman, Eze Imo, Eze Emmanuel Okeke.
Announcing the resolution in Owerri, Eze Okeke stated that the council has approved ‘Onyendu Ndigbo’ (Igbo Leader in Diaspora) as the appropriate title for Igbo leaders outside Nigeria. The decision was endorsed and signed by key traditional rulers, including Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, leader of the council, alongside chairmen of traditional councils from Enugu, Anambra, Abia, and Ebonyi states.
The council emphasized that the title ‘Eze’ is exclusively reserved for traditional rulers officially recognized by the government within the South East. It clarified that individuals residing outside Igbo communities cannot hold this title, as doing so distorts the traditional monarchical system and constitutes an abuse of Igbo cultural heritage.
Additionally, the council ruled that any celebration of Igbo cultural festivals outside Igboland must receive the consent and approval of either the South East Council of Traditional Rulers or the respective state council of traditional rulers.
This landmark decision aims to preserve the sanctity of Igbo traditions and prevent the misuse of cultural titles outside the region.
