Ohanaeze insists on Eze Ndigbo title ban

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has officially replaced the contentious Eze Ndigbo title with a new designation, 'Onyendu Ndigbo.' This strategic shift aims to resolve the controversies that have plagued the old title across Nigeria and its diaspora, fostering a more credible and structured form of cultural representation abroad.

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The leader of the Igbos outside homeland territories would be known and called Onyendu or any other title in consultation with the council of Ndieze and Ime-obi. The Eze Igbo or Eze Ndigbo title held presently by Igbo leaders outside the homeland has been proscribed.

The announcement came during the induction of diaspora leadership and the inauguration of the first batch of 32 'Onyendu' Ndigbo leaders. These leaders hail from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ghana, and other international locations. Charles Odunukwe, chairman of the committee for the regularization of Igbo diaspora traditional titles and leadership, stated that the leader of Igbos outside their homeland would now be known as Onyendu or another title agreed upon in consultation with the council of Ndieze and Ime-obi. The Eze Igbo or Eze Ndigbo title is now proscribed.

Eze Emmanuel Okeke, chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, formally inducted the second batch of diaspora Igbo leaders into the office of Onyendu Ndigbo. He stressed the importance of upholding traditional Igbo leadership practices, emphasizing zero tolerance for corruption and bad leadership. Okeke also expressed gratitude to Senator John Azuka Mbata, leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, for his support.

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We expect nothing short of the best traditional Igbo leadership practices from you. Which means zero tolerance for corruption and bad leadership. For to whom much is given, much is expected.

The induction series is described as a foundational moment for a more organized and globally respected Igbo diaspora leadership framework. The newly inducted Onyendu Ndigbo leaders understand that the title represents a binding responsibility, signaling a new chapter of legitimacy, unity, and cultural pride for Igbo people worldwide.

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For the newly inducted Onyendu Ndigbo, the title represents not mere ceremony but a binding responsibility, heralding what many are calling a new chapter of legitimacy, unity, and cultural pride for Ndigbo worldwide.