FG condemns Eze Ndigbo coronations abroad as embarrassing
The Federal Government has expressed strong disapproval over the coronation of individuals as Eze Ndigbo in foreign countries, calling the practice embarrassing. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, presented the government's stance during a meeting with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. The controversy follows recent violent protests in South Africa after the crowning of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as an Igbo king in East London. The government and Ohanaeze Ndigbo have now moved to abolish the Eze Ndigbo title outside Igboland.
What we know
- Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that the coronation of Eze Ndigbo in foreign lands is a major embarrassment to Nigeria and host countries.
- Violent protests erupted in South Africa’s Eastern Cape after Solomon Ogbonna Eziko was crowned as “Eze Ndigbo na East London.”
- The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders and the South African government condemned the coronation as illegal.
- The National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers have abolished the practice of conferring the Eze Ndigbo title outside Igboland.
- Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa distanced themselves from the event, urging Nigerians to remain calm and avoid escalating tensions.
