By peace Udugba
The Niger State chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo has reaffirmed the ban on the conferment of traditional Igbo titles, particularly the ‘Eze Ndigbo’ title, outside the Igbo-speaking states of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday in Minna, the group said the decision aligns with the directive of the South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council, which earlier abolished the use of such titles outside Igbo territories.
The statement was jointly signed by Chief Joseph Chukwuemeka Onuigbo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees/Elders Council, and Chief Emmanuel Ezeugo, the newly elected President of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Niger State.
According to them, the preferred designation for Igbo leaders in other states is “Onye-ndu,” which translates to “leader” in Igbo language.
They emphasized that this move is aimed at promoting unity and respecting traditional structures within and outside the South-East region.
“Ohaneze Ndigbo Niger Chapter Gives 3-Month Ultimatum on ‘Eze Ndigbo’ Title, Elects New Leadership”
The Niger State chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo has reaffirmed the ban on the use of the title “Eze Ndigbo” outside Igbo-speaking states, giving a three-month deadline to anyone currently bearing the title to comply or face sanctions.
This was announced in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees/Elders Council, Chief Joseph Chukwuemeka Onuigbo, and the newly elected President of the chapter, Chief Emmanuel Ezeugo, on Monday in Minna.
According to the statement, the title “Onye-ndu,” meaning “leader” in Igbo, is now the approved designation for Igbo traditional leadership roles outside the South-East.
In addition, the use of honorifics such as “Royal Highness” and “Royal Majesty” by Igbo title holders in Niger State has been abolished.
“Consequently, any titled holder of Igbo extraction in any part of the state who fails to comply with the new order after the expiration of the three-month deadline will not be accorded traditional title rights,” the statement warned.
This directive aligns with the earlier position of the South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council, which abolished the “Eze Ndigbo” title outside Igbo land to preserve the integrity of traditional institutions.
Meanwhile, Ohaneze Ndigbo in Niger State has elected a new executive to steer the affairs of the apex Igbo cultural body for the next four years.
At the election held over the weekend in Bida, Bida Local Government Area, Dr. Martins Orji emerged as President, while Barrister Sebastien Ogbogo was elected Secretary. Other officials include Mr. Dan Okoro as Treasurer and Mr. Ikechukwu Agbo, among others.
