The South‑East Council of Traditional Rulers has officially abolished the use of the title “Eze Ndigbo” [King of Igbos] by Igbo leaders residing outside Igbo land, replacing it with a newly sanctioned title, “Onyendu Ndigbo,” which translates to “Leader of the Igbo people.”
This resolution was outlined in a statement obtained by SaharaReporters and jointly signed by prominent monarchs, including Eze E.C. Okeke (Eze Imo) and Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha and chairman of the council. The decree reflects a collective effort to safeguard the cultural sanctity of traditional Igbo leadership and its titles.
According to the council, this move aims to protect the prestige and spiritual weight of the “Eze” title, which is customarily conferred only on enthroned rulers with deep ancestral lineage and spiritual authority over identified Igbo communities. They emphasized that the “Eze” title is not honorary, political, or symbolic—it is deeply rooted in sacred customs, rituals, and indigenous rites.
The council raised concerns over a growing trend among Igbo Diaspora leaders who have begun self‑adopting the “Eze Ndigbo” title outside of its traditional context. The monarchs argue that this loose usage undermines the cultural and spiritual weight of traditional rulership and dilutes the heritage associated with the title.
While applauding the unity and cultural identity promoted by Igbo leaders abroad, the council stressed that henceforth the title “Onyendu Ndigbo” should be used uniformly in all formal and public capacities—including on documents, signage, letterheads, and at public events. They warned that failure to observe this directive would be considered disrespectful and in breach of Igbo traditional institutions.
“This is a necessary step to uphold the dignity and integrity of our ancestral institutions,” the council stated, urging all Igbo leaders abroad to adopt the new title in the spirit of unity, cultural preservation, and respect for indigenous customs.
The decision was prompted in part by recent controversy in Ghana, where the crowning of Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu as “Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana,” alongside the inauguration of a palace in Accra, triggered public outcry over cultural overreach and raised questions about the sovereignty and authority of traditional titles within host nations.