The Edo State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has warned against the use of unauthorised Igbo traditional titles such as Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe and similar designations outside recognised traditional institutions in Igboland.
Addressing journalists during a press conference in Benin on Monday, the state secretary of the group, Emmanuel Ofodu, said the directive followed a resolution of the organisation’s General Assembly held on April 9, 2026, which applies to all Igbo communities in Edo State, across Nigeria and the Diaspora.
He said that the creation or operation of parallel traditional leadership structures outside Igboland is not only culturally invalid but also allegedly inconsistent with a prior court ruling referenced as Suit No. B/290/2015.
Ofodu maintained that it is the only constitutionally and traditionally recognised authorities in Igboland that have the mandate to confer such titles, warning that any individual or group involved in unauthorised coronations or installations would be acting in violation of both cultural directives and legal pronouncements.
He said, “This is to let you know that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has warned against the use of unauthorised Igbo traditional titles such as Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, and similar designations outside recognised traditional institutions in Igboland.
“The resolution reaffirms cooperation with Edo State’s established traditional authority, including loyalty to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, and other recognised traditional rulers across Edo North and Edo Central senatorial districts.”
He urged security agencies, government authorities, and the public to treat any unauthorised use of such titles as invalid, insisting that enforcement of the directive is necessary to preserve cultural order and prevent inter-communal tensions.
He further emphasized that Igbo residents in Edo State should operate under recognised community frameworks, including town unions and the state chapter of Igbo Community Union, in line with broader coordination by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Speaking on the nationwide voter registration mobilisation, he said the group announced the commencement of a statewide civic mobilisation campaign aimed at boosting participation in the ongoing voter registration exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He appealed to all Igbo residents aged 18 and above to register, update their details where necessary, and ensure full participation in the electoral process.
Also speaking, the state legal adviser of the group, George Igbokwe, said the decision to proscribe such titles stemmed from the incidence that happened in South Africa where some of their sons were taking different titles.
“The message sent to Edo Chapter is to disseminate the information from their last executive meeting where the issue of some Igbo people in the diaspora take the title of Eze Ndigbo or Eze Igbo in their various places of business.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo noted that it has caused several problems in Ghana, in South Africa, in Amsterdam and other parts of the world.
“So they have put their feet down in conjunction with the Council of Traditional Rulers of Ndigbo that, that Eze Ndigbo or Eze Igbo or performing the duties of Eze Ndigbo in any form or manner should be totally and permanently proscribed and prohibited”, Igbokwe said.
