Ohanaeze reaffirms ban on Eze Ndigbo title, introduces Onyendu Ndigbo

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has reaffirmed the ban on the use of the Eze Ndigbo title outside Igbo homeland territories, stating that the newly introduced “Onyendu Ndigbo” title will now serve as the recognised designation for Igbo leaders in the diaspora.

The position was reiterated during the induction of diaspora leaders and inauguration of 32 Onyendu Ndigbo representatives from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ghana and other locations in Owerri.

Chairman of the Committee on the Regularisation of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Titles and Leadership, Charles Odunukwe, said the decision was aimed at resolving longstanding controversies surrounding the Eze Ndigbo title.

According to him, “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.”

Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, who formally inducted the new title holders, urged them to uphold the highest standards of leadership, stressing that corruption and poor leadership would not be tolerated.

He warned that any leader found wanting could have both the title and certificate withdrawn.

The committee’s secretary, Ubochi Ubochi, described the exercise as a major step towards creating a more organised and globally respected Igbo diaspora leadership structure.

He said, “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.”

Ohanaeze reaffirms ban on Eze Ndigbo title, introduces Onyendu Ndigbo