Coronation of Eze Ndigbo in Foreign lands embarrassing – Bianca Ojukwu

The Federal Government has condemned the coronation and activities of individuals claiming the title of Eze Ndigbo (Igbo traditional rulers) in foreign countries, calling the practice “embarrassing”

Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks while presenting the government’s position at a meeting of Imeobi, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in Enugu on Thursday.

In a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, the minister said;

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

Her comments follow violent protests in South Africa’s Eastern Cape over the controversial coronation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Eze Ndigbo na East London.”

The unrest led to the burning of vehicles and looting, sparking outrage among local residents, traditional leaders, and political groups.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu recalled a similar incident in Ghana in July 2025, where protests over the Eze Ndigbo issue prompted some groups to demand that Nigerians leave the country. She led a delegation to Accra to calm tensions, meeting with President John Mahama, ministers, the Inspector-General of Police, traditional authorities, and Nigerian community representatives.

She emphasised that cultural expression should not create conflict with host communities, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been using diplomatic channels to resolve the South Africa situation.

“Aggrieved Ghanaians issued our people with a quit notice, insisting that Nigerians must leave,” she said, noting that tensions eased following President Mahama’s intervention, who affirmed that xenophobia has no place in Ghana.

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