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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Edo State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has issued a sweeping directive prohibiting the use of unauthorised Igbo traditional titles such as Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, and similar monarchical designations outside recognised traditional institutions in Igbo land.
Addressing journalists during a press conference in Benin, the state Secretary of the group, Mr. Emmanuel Ofodu, said the directive follows a resolution of the organisation’s General Assembly, held on April 9, 2026, and applies to all Igbo communities in Edo State, the wider Diaspora, and across Nigeria.
He said that the creation or operation of parallel traditional leadership structures outside Igbo land is not only culturally invalid but, also, allegedly inconsistent with a prior court ruling referenced as Suit No. B/290/2015.
Mr. Ofodu maintained that the only constitutionally and traditionally recognised authorities in Igbo land 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.
Ofodu noted that the statement also reaffirmed 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 central senatorial districts.
He urged the 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 emphasised 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.
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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 (INEC).
According to the Edo State leadership, “the registration window scheduled to close in July 2026 is a critical opportunity for eligible citizens to update their records, obtain Permanent Voter Cards, and strengthen political participation ahead of future elections.
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. He described voter participation as essential to civic influence, stating that “numbers determine representation in a democratic system” and urged eligible voters not to miss the registration window.
He said that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s directives on traditional title regulation and voter registration are aimed at strengthening unity, ensuring lawful cultural practices, and enhancing political participation among Igbo residents in Edo State. He further reaffirmed the group’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with host communities and adherence to existing traditional and administrative structures in the state.
Also speaking, the state Legal Adviser of the group, George Igbokwe, said the decision to proscribe such titles stemmed from the incident 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 taking the title of Eze Ndigbo or Eze Igbo in their various places of business came up.
“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 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.
