The South-East Council of Traditional Rulers has officially abolished the use of the title "Eze Ndigbo" by Igbo leaders residing outside the Igbo land.

In a communique signed by prominent traditional rulers, including His Royal Majesty, Eze E.C. Okeke, (Eze Imo), and His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe (Leader), the council introduced a new title, "Onyendu Ndigbo," to be used by Igbo leaders in foreign lands or outside Nigeria.

According to the communique SaharaReporters obtained on Thursday, the decision was made to provide clarity on the use of the title "Eze" outside Igbo land, citing that it is a sacred traditional title exclusively reserved for recognised traditional rulers in the South-East.

The council explained that a true "Eze" is enthroned and coronated by his community or kingdom following traditional rites, divinations, and sacred ancestral ceremonies, and must have a kingdom or community to govern.

The council appreciates the efforts of Igbo leaders in Diaspora in unifying Ndigbo and fostering peaceful coexistence with host communities.

However, they deemed it necessary to abolish the use of the "Eze Ndigbo" title, citing that it is not a political or ceremonial title but one deeply rooted in Igbo tradition and heritage.

The new title, "Onyendu Ndigbo," is to be adopted by all Igbo leaders in Diaspora immediately. The directive extends to all official documents, signposts, letterheads, and public representations.

The Council warned that failure to comply with this directive will be considered a serious act of defiance, misconduct, and disregard for Igbo traditional authority and judicial pronouncements.

The Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers welcomes all Igbo leaders in Diaspora into this new era of cultural unity and mutual respect.

They extend their hand of fellowship to all Igbo leaders abroad and urge them to embrace this resolution for the collective growth and advancement of Ndigbo.

As custodians of Igbo heritage, the council emphasizes the importance of working together to uphold the dignity of Igbo culture and traditions, ensuring they are respected and preserved at all times.

This development is expected to foster better recognition, reconciliation, and cooperation between Igbo leaders abroad and traditional/government authorities at home.

The council's decision is a significant step towards preserving Igbo culture and traditions, and promoting unity among Igbo leaders worldwide. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the relationships between Igbo leaders in Diaspora and traditional authorities in Igbo land.

SaharaReporters reported on July 8 a wave of protests and heated public discourse in some parts of Ghana following the installation of a traditional Igbo ruler, Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu, as “Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana” (King of Igbo People in Ghana).

The development reportedly sparked a complex debate over sovereignty, cultural identity, and the boundaries of foreign community leadership.

The uproar, according to the report was spearheaded by youth organisations in Accra and the Eastern Region, adding the it was intensified after images circulated online showing Eze Ihenetu’s grand palace in Accra, adorned with regal symbols and elaborate architecture.