Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has officially confirmed that the Eze Ndigbo title is no longer permitted for Igbo leaders residing outside of the Igbo heartland. Moving forward, these representatives will be identified by the new designation, Onyendu Ndigbo.
This policy update was confirmed in Owerri during an inauguration ceremony for 32 new Onyendu Ndigbo representatives representing regions including Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, and Ghana. Charles Odunukwe, who chairs the committee overseeing the regularization of these leadership titles, noted that this move is designed to settle ongoing debates regarding traditional nomenclature.
Odunukwe explained that the transition to the Onyendu title, or other designations decided in cooperation with the Council of Ndieze and Ime-Obi, effectively prohibits the continued use of the Eze Ndigbo label by those living abroad. Eze Emmanuel Okeke, head of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, formally installed the officials and issued a strong call for integrity. He cautioned that leaders who engage in corrupt practices or fail to perform their duties adequately will face the removal of their titles and credentials.
Ubochi Ubochi, the committee secretary, viewed the event as an essential progression toward building a more structured and credible leadership framework for the Igbo diaspora. He emphasized that the Onyendu Ndigbo title serves as a commitment to unity and cultural dignity for the Igbo people on the global stage.
