The Edo State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has officially prohibited the use of unauthorized Igbo traditional titles, including Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, and other monarchical designations, outside recognized traditional institutions in Igboland. This directive was announced during a press conference in Benin by the state secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ofodu.
Resolution from General Assembly
Ofodu explained that the ban follows a resolution adopted at the organization's General Assembly held on April 9, 2026. He stated that the directive applies to all Igbo communities in Edo State, the wider Diaspora, and across Nigeria. The creation or operation of parallel traditional leadership structures outside Igboland is considered culturally invalid and allegedly inconsistent with a prior court ruling referenced as Suit No. B/290/2015.
Recognition of Authorized Authorities
The only constitutionally and traditionally recognized authorities in Igboland have the mandate to confer such titles. Ofodu warned that any individual or group involved in unauthorized coronations or installations would be acting in violation of both cultural directives and legal pronouncements. He reaffirmed the group's cooperation with Edo State's established traditional authority, including loyalty to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, and other recognized traditional rulers across Edo North and Central senatorial districts.
Enforcement and Cultural Order
Ofodu urged security agencies, government authorities, and the public to treat any unauthorized use of such titles as invalid. He emphasized that enforcement of the directive is necessary to preserve cultural order and prevent inter-communal tensions. Igbo residents in Edo State should operate under recognized community frameworks, including town unions and the state chapter of Igbo Community Union, in line with broader coordination by Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Voter Registration Mobilization
The group also announced the commencement of a statewide civic mobilization 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.
Ofodu 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.
Legal Perspective
The state legal adviser of the group, George Igbokwe, provided further insight into the decision to proscribe such titles. He noted that the move stemmed from incidents in South Africa where some Igbo individuals were assuming different titles. The message sent to the Edo Chapter was to disseminate information from the last executive meeting, which addressed the issue of Igbo people in the diaspora taking the title of Eze Ndigbo or Eze Igbo in their various places of business.
Igbokwe stated that this practice has caused several problems in Ghana, South Africa, Amsterdam, and other parts of the world. Therefore, in conjunction with the Council of Traditional Rulers of Ndigbo, the organization has decisively and permanently proscribed and prohibited the use of such titles in any form or manner.
Commitment to Unity
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. The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence with host communities and adherence to existing traditional and administrative structures in the state.
