… Approve Onyendu title 

By Ikenna Orioha 

Traditional Rulers in the South East have abrogated the use of Ezigbo title by Igbo secular leaders in the diaspora and hence approved the use of Ndi ndu Ndigbo title (as in plural), or Onyendu title (as in singular).

The Ezes arrived at this decision during their delegates quarterly meeting held in Enugu State and Umuahia, Abia State, last year and this year respectively.

The Traditional Rulers in a Public Notice to that effect signed by HRM, Igwe. Nnaemeka AU. Achebe, Leader, Dr. E. C. Okeke, Chairman, Imo State Council of  Traditional Rulers and Chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, Eze Linus Mo Mbah, Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Igwe, Amb. Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu, Coordinator, South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, Eze Charles Mpuma, Chairman, Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, warned that any body who thwarts the decision shall be punished accordingly.

“South East Council of Traditional Rulers at the end of its quarterly delegates meeting in Enugu, 11 December, 2025 and Umuahia -Abia State, Friday 20 March, 2026, decided to inform the general public particularly Government Ministries/Agencies, Foreign Missions/Embassies, Law Enforcement Agencies and other Stakeholders on the urgent need to stop use of the Title “Ezeigbo” by Igbo – Leaders in Diaspora and also of its decision that all Igbo Leaders in Diaspora shall use the Title “Ndi ndu Ndigbo” plural and “Onyendu Ndigbo” singular respectively.

“Eze” is a Revered traditional title reserved by legislation, culture and tradition for only traditional rulers recognized by government in South East states.

“Eze” is a title used by a Traditional Ruler chosen by the people of his community or kingdom and enthroned/coronated in accordance with the laid down customs, culture, tradition, rules and processes inherited from their fore-bearers progenitors/ancestors. It is important to know that issues associated with the selection and enthronement of Traditional Rulers are deep rooted in certain unique rituals, divinations and sacred ceremonies which are clearly defined and established by the culture and traditions of various ethnic groups Ndigbo inclusive.

“Eze” as the king is referred to in Igbo-land must have a community, kingdom or clan to administer as his ancestral home. (Not outside his domain or place of birth) which is to say that an Eze must come from

The title “Eze” cannot be given or conferred on a person outside his community irrespective of the person’s standing in the society, since it is not a title of convenience but one that is rooted in the culture and traditions of the people (peculiarities of the various communities and kingdoms).

“In order to put the records straight, the South East Council of Traditional decided to use this medium to make this clarifications on who should use the Title “Eze” in Igbo Land and what qualifies him culturally and traditionally to do so as the Title “Eze” is not for sale to the Highest Bidder – It is sacred and should be treated in like manner with respect, dignity and reverence.

“It is important to note that the South East Council of Traditional Rulers is not against our subjects in Diaspora having formidable leadership structure outside Igbo-land. Our concern is that some of them have covertly/overtly arrogated to themselves cultural and traditional roles and rites which ara the exclusive preserve of revered and recognized Traditionel Ruler in Igbo-land.

“It is not new and cannot be controverted that these non-title holders give chieftaincy and other traditional titles to individuals not only out of overzealousness but also with intent to defraud innocent citizens. These activities are not only prohibitive/abominable as taboos but also sacrilegious: a desecration of the culture and traditions of Ndigbo.

“In order to give Igbo leaders in Diaspora the needed sense of belonging and warm hands of fellowship in recognition of their roles in organizing and uniting Ndigbo outside Igbo Speaking states, the Titles “Ndi Nduigbo” plural and “Onye ndu Igbo” singular have been approved by South East Council of Traditional Rulers for use by Igbo-leaders in Diaspora and this decision takes immediate effect.

“It has been decided that any Igbo-leader using the Title “Ezeigbo” shall be treated as an imposter and sanctioned for impersonation in accordance with the customary laws and traditions of his community, local government area and state of origin.

“SECTR warns that it will not hesitate to inform he Police and other law enforcement agencies, on the need to make arrest of any Igbo-leader who still uses the Title “Ezeigbo” on grounds of impersonation and other fraudulent activities which run contrary to our Traditional and customary laws, norms and values as Ndigbo.

“We call on the General Public to treat this matter of Public concern and interest with every seriousness it deserves to protect our traditional values at all levels be it community, kingdom, clan, ethnic, state or nation.

“The traditional institution and heritage are sacred and should be protected by all”, the Eze stated.