Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide Proscribes Unauthorised Use Of Titles













Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide Proscribes Unauthorised Use Of Titles

...Urges NdiIgbo To Embark On Voter's Registration Exercise 

Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin 


Following the crisis that characterize various titles of Ndi-Igbo, the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has proscribed the unauthorised use of titles, such as; Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe and other similar monarchical titles outside the recognised traditional institutions in Igboland.


Addressing journalists in Edo State, at NUJ press centre, in a press conference, Benin city, the President, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief (Sir) Benjamin Ezekwere JP and Secretary General,  Engr. Emmanuel Ofodu, also called on all Igbo sons and daughters residing in Edo state who are 18 years and above to take advantage of the INEC registration window or exercise.

Chief Ezekwere said, the resolution is not to diminish any individual, but to protect the sanctity of their traditional institutions.

The statement read,"This directive mandates strict compliance across all chapters, including Edo State, on the prohibition of the unauthorized use of the titles Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, and other similar monarchical titles outside the recognized traditional institutions in Igboland. 

"The General Assembly of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, in its meeting of April 9, 2026, resolved that the practice of conferring such titles and the installation or coronation of persons bearing them outside Igboland is hereby proscribed. 

"This prohibition applies expressly to all Igbo persons residing in the Diaspora and in every part of Nigeria, including Edo State. 

"The South East Council of Traditional Rulers, in conjunction with Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, has jointly declared that no individual, group, or association has the statutory or customary authority to create parallel traditional institutions or confer monarchical titles outside the ancestral jurisdictions recognized by law and custom in Igboland. 

"Let me state unequivocally that this position has the backing of the law. A court of competent jurisdiction has declared, in Suit Number B/290/2015, that such actions are illegal and criminal. 

"The installation, coronation, or parading of any person as Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, or any similar monarchical title within Edo State stands in direct violation of that judicial pronouncement."

The statement equally warned that, 
" Any person within Edo State currently bearing the title of Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, or any similar monarchical title or performing the functions or duties of such office without recognition from the established traditional institutions in Igboland is acting in breach of the resolution and the court judgment. Such conduct is hereby proscribed and completely prohibited. 

" That any attempt to install, coronate, or confer such titles on any person within Edo State is prohibited. Organizers, participants, and beneficiaries of such ceremonies will be deemed to be in violation of the resolution and the law. 

"The only legitimate traditional leadership structure for Ndi Igbo in Edo State remains the Ohaneze Ndigbo Edo State Chapter, working in collaboration with Igbo Community Union, Town Unions and Community leaders, under the authority of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide."


They therefore reiterated their full and total allegiance to His Royal Majesty Omo n’ Oba Nedo. Oba Ewuare II Oba of Benin and all other traditional institutions In Edo North and Central Senatorial Districts. 

They called on the general public, the Government of Edo State, and all security agencies to take notice that the use of these monarchical titles by unauthorized persons has been proscribed by both the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, and declared illegal by the court. Any person found flouting this directive should be treated in accordance with the proscription. 



The statement further stressed,"Ndi Igbo are known for respect for constituted authority, tradition, and the rule of law. We are a people who thrive in peace with our hosts. We will not allow the actions of a few to misrepresent us or create confusion within the traditional and administrative systems of Edo State, 

"This resolution is not to diminish any individual, but to protect the sanctity of our traditional institutions, prevent conflict, and ensure that Ndi Igbo in Edo State remain law-abiding and united under one recognized structure."

" I encourage and call on all Igbo sons and daughters residing in Edo State, who are 18 years
and above, and are eligible, to take advantage of this INEC registration window. Go out and register. Update your details if you have relocated. Collect your permanent voter's card."

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