South-East traditional rulers council scraps “Eze Ndigbo” title for Igbo leaders in diaspora amid controversy

……Introduces “Onyendu Ndigbo”

July 18, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Amid tension over Igbo King in Ghana, the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers has officially abolished the use of the title “Eze Ndigbo” by Igbo leaders residing outside the traditional Igbo land.

This decision was formalized through a communique signed by prominent traditional rulers in the region, including His Royal Majesty, Eze E.C. Okeke (Eze Imo), and His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe (Leader).

As a result of this abolishment, the council has introduced a new title, “Onyendu Ndigbo,” which is to be used by Igbo leaders living in foreign lands or outside Nigeria.

The decision was made to provide clarity on the use of the title “Eze” outside Igbo land. The council stressed that the title “Eze” is a sacred traditional title exclusively reserved for recognized traditional rulers within the South-East.

The council established that the title “Eze” carries significant cultural and traditional weight in the region, and the council sought to ensure its use aligns with established customs and protocols.

The controversy surrounding the use of the “Eze Ndigbo” title was reportedly spearheaded by youth organizations in Ghana and the Eastern Region.

The debate over the title’s appropriateness gained considerable attention after images of Eze Ihenetu’s grand palace in Accra were circulated online.