The South East Council of Traditional Rulers has officially retired the contested Eze Ndigbo title for leaders serving outside the region. It has been replaced by the designation ‘Onyendu Ndigbo’ to settle ongoing debates regarding the authority of diaspora Igbo leadership. This policy was enacted by the Committee on the Regularisation of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Title and Leadership (CRIDTTL) to curb tensions where such titles were perceived as conflicting with the roles of established local monarchs.
During an event in Owerri, the Council inducted 19 new leaders as Onyendu Ndigbo, explicitly labeling them cultural ambassadors instead of traditional rulers. Eze E. C. Okeke, Chairman of the Imo State and South East Councils of Traditional Rulers, led the ceremony and urged these representatives to maintain integrity, foster unity, and avoid corruption. The initiative seeks to protect Igbo identity without encroaching on the traditions of host areas.
Charles Odunukwe and Prince Ubochi Ubochi were recognized for their work in standardizing these leadership roles. The event received support from Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Notable inductees included representatives from Ivory Coast, Japan, and Abuja. This follows an initial group of 32 leaders inducted in May. Ubochi emphasized that the new title signifies responsibility rather than royal status, aiming to establish a reputable leadership framework that aligns with the laws of host governments, such as the recent regulations implemented in Lagos.
