The Igbo Community Association in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja has condemned the reported attempted coronation of an “Ezeigbo” in South Africa, describing the move as illegal and capable of fuelling tensions between Igbo diaspora communities and their host countries.

In a statement made available to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, the association warned that the practice undermines established Igbo traditional institutions and risks provoking hostility against Nigerians abroad.

The statement, signed by the group’s President General, Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, and Secretary General, Emmanuel Chinwoke Onah, expressed concern that the reported event had already sparked near-xenophobic reactions in parts of South Africa.

While condemning the hostile protests that followed the development, the association also blamed organisers of the coronation for what it described as “continued embarrassment” to the Igbo people and Nigerians generally.

“It is wrong, illegal, and a direct violation of our customs to enthrone a king in another person’s domain,” the statement read.

According to the association, the South East Traditional Council had earlier issued a communiqué outlawing the enthronement of “Ezeigbo” in foreign countries, a position it said was later affirmed by Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The ICA FCT stressed that such coronations have the potential to jeopardise the safety of millions of Igbo people living in diaspora communities.

“The leadership of the Igbo community in Abuja will not stand by while the actions of a few individuals in the diaspora jeopardise the safety and reputation of millions of our kinsmen globally,” the statement added.

The association also cited past diplomatic tensions involving Igbo diaspora leadership structures in Ghana and warned against a repeat in other countries.

Calling for decisive action, the group urged Nigerian and international security agencies to halt what it described as illegal coronations abroad.

“Any person parading himself as an ‘Ezeigbo’ in the diaspora should be arrested and prosecuted. We must prevent a replication of the tensions seen in Ghana across other diaspora communities,” the association said.

The group emphasised that preserving Igbo heritage requires adherence to directives from traditional authorities in Nigeria’s South-East as well as respect for the laws of host nations.Nigerian government news

The development comes amid growing scrutiny of diaspora leadership titles and their implications for diplomatic relations, community cohesion, and the safety of Nigerians living abroad.