In a historic decision, traditional rulers from the South-East of Nigeria have officially abolished the title of “Eze Ndi Igbo” in regions outside their native homeland, including places like Lagos, Ghana, and other cities around the world. This move marks a significant shift in the way the Igbo culture and leadership will be represented outside the South-East geopolitical zone.
The title of “Eze Ndi Igbo” had long been a source of controversy, as it was often conferred upon influential individuals within the Igbo diaspora to signify their leadership over the Igbo community in non-Igbo regions. However, this practice has come under increasing criticism, with many traditional rulers arguing that it undermines the authority of the authentic Igbo leadership based in the South-East, while also creating unnecessary division and confusion in host communities.
The traditional rulers from the South-East regions, including states like Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi, convened a high-level meeting where they deliberated on the implications of the “Eze Ndi Igbo” title. After careful consideration, they concluded that the practice of appointing “Eze Ndi Igbo” in non-Igbo areas was inappropriate and a misrepresentation of the Igbo culture.
The ruling emphasized that leadership and titles such as “Eze” (king) should be restricted to their local communities within the South-East, where the cultural and traditional systems of governance are deeply rooted and respected. According to the rulers, the creation of such titles outside Igboland was seen as an overreach that caused more harm than good to the Igbo image in other parts of Nigeria and the world.
With this ban, all individuals currently holding the title of “Eze Ndi Igbo” in places like Lagos, Ghana, and other areas outside the South-East have been asked to relinquish the title immediately. The traditional rulers clarified that the enforcement of this decision is critical to preserving the sanctity and respect of the Igbo traditional system.
The South-East rulers also noted that this decision was made to foster unity and prevent conflicts within the Igbo diaspora, where power tussles among multiple title holders have sometimes led to clashes and disunity. The abolition of the title is expected to restore respect and coherence in how the Igbo community engages with their host cities and countries.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria and the Igbo diaspora. Some have welcomed the move, arguing that it helps to clear the confusion around who truly represents Igbo interests outside the South-East. Others, particularly some titleholders, have expressed disappointment, stating that the title of “Eze Ndi Igbo” has served as a unifying force for the Igbo people in regions far from home.
In Lagos, which has one of the largest populations of Igbos outside the South-East, the decision has drawn attention, as many have looked up to their “Eze Ndi Igbo” for leadership within the sprawling Igbo community. Similarly, in Ghana, the title has been a symbol of cultural pride for the Igbo people living abroad.
The South-East traditional rulers made it clear that any future leadership roles for the Igbo diaspora must be carefully structured within appropriate frameworks, without appropriating traditional titles reserved for recognized kingdoms in the South-East. They advised that communities should instead form associations and groups that foster cooperation without undermining the cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
This landmark decision signals a new era in how the Igbo people will organize their leadership and representation outside their homeland, ensuring that their rich traditions remain respected and preserved in their rightful place.
Peoplesmind
