The Federal Government has criticised the coronation of individuals as Eze Ndigbo in foreign countries, describing the practice as embarrassing and capable of causing diplomatic tensions.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated this on Thursday while addressing a meeting of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in Enugu.

She said the trend had become “a major embarrassment” not only to the Nigerian government but also to Ndigbo, Nigerians, and citizens of host countries where such titles are conferred.

The minister cited recent unrest in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, following the controversial coronation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Eze Ndigbo na East London,” which sparked protests, violence, and destruction of property.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also referenced a similar incident in Accra, Ghana, in 2025, where tensions escalated, and some groups issued quit notices to Nigerians before diplomatic intervention eased the situation.

She stressed that while cultural expression is important, it must not create conflict with host communities, noting that Nigeria has continued to engage diplomatically to resolve such issues.

The minister urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to enforce sanctions against individuals who violate its directive abolishing Igbo traditional rulership titles outside Igboland.

Also speaking, the President-General of the organisation, Azuta Mbata, reaffirmed that the title of Eze Ndigbo in the diaspora is not recognised and has been officially abolished.

He stated that anyone assuming such a title abroad does so independently and would face sanctions determined in consultation with traditional rulers in Igboland.

The Federal Government assured that it would support efforts to communicate this position through Nigerian missions worldwide, emphasising the need to maintain harmony between Nigerians and their host communities.