Eze Ndigbo Coronations Abroad Embarrassing, Says Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has criticised the coronation and activities of individuals styled as “Eze Ndigbo” (Igbo traditional rulers) in foreign countries, describing the practice as embarrassing and detrimental to Nigeria’s image abroad.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu made this known on Thursday while presenting the Federal Government’s position at a meeting of Imeobi, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, held in Enugu.

Addressing the Ohanaeze Imeobi/General Assembly, she recalled that a similar controversy arose in Accra, Ghana, in July 2025 over the Eze Ndigbo issue, which led to protests by some Ghanaian groups demanding that Nigerians leave the country.

She disclosed that she led a delegation to Accra at the time to ease tensions and prevent escalation.

In a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, the minister warned that the trend has become a growing concern.

“The situation has become a major embarrassment to the government, Ndigbo, Nigerians, and citizens of host countries where such titles are conferred,” she said.

The minister’s remarks come amid recent unrest in South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape, following the controversial coronation of a Nigerian Igbo leader, Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, as “Eze Ndigbo na East London.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that while cultural expression is important, it must not generate conflict with host communities, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continued to deploy diplomatic channels to manage the situation in South Africa See more full, details. .