OWERRI — Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has reaffirmed its ban on the use of the Eze Ndigbo title by Igbo leaders outside the South-East, officially declaring “Onyendu Ndigbo” as the recognised title for leaders of Igbo communities in the diaspora.
The decision was reiterated during the induction of diaspora leaders and the inauguration of 32 Onyendu Ndigbo representatives from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ghana, and other locations at a ceremony held in Owerri.
Chairman of the Committee on the Regularisation of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Titles and Leadership, Charles Odunukwe, said the move was aimed at ending years of controversy surrounding the use of the Eze Ndigbo title outside Igboland.
According to him, the recognised leader of Igbo communities outside their homeland will henceforth bear the title Onyendu Ndigbo or any other title approved in consultation with the Council of Ndieze and the Ime-Obi.
He stated that the Eze Igbo or Eze Ndigbo titles currently held by Igbo leaders in the diaspora have been officially proscribed.
Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, who performed the induction of the newly recognised leaders, charged them to demonstrate integrity, accountability, and exemplary leadership.
He warned that any title holder found guilty of corruption or poor leadership could have both the title and certificate withdrawn.
Also speaking, Secretary of the committee, Ubochi Ubochi, described the exercise as a significant milestone in strengthening the structure and global credibility of Igbo leadership in the diaspora.
He said the Onyendu Ndigbo title represents more than a ceremonial honour, describing it as a responsibility that marks a new era of legitimacy, unity, and cultural pride for Igbo communities across the world.
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