The pan-Igbo sociocultural organization Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide President-General John Azuta-Mbata yesterday declared the conferment of the title “Eze Ndigbo” outside Igboland invalid, warning that sanctions would be imposed on violators.
Azuta-Mbata made the declaration during the Ime-Obi meeting in Enugu, stating that the apex Igbo body, in collaboration with the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers, had resolved to end the practice.
He stressed that individuals who confer or accept such titles outside Igboland would no longer be recognised by Igbo leadership and would do so at their own risk.
He said: “The National Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, after an extensive meeting with the Council of Traditional Rulers of the South-East, declares the award of the title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland invalid. Anybody who is being awarded that type of title anywhere outside of Igboland is on his own.”
The Ohanaeze chief further said the organisation would formally notify state governments and embassies worldwide of its position, describing the conferment of such titles outside Igboland as alien and now proscribed.
He added that sanctions for defaulters would be determined in consultation with traditional rulers and enforced at the grassroots level through communities and town unions.
