Ohanaeze Bans Use Of Igbo Royal Titles In Edo

The Edo State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has announced a total prohibition on the use, conferment, installation and coronation of individuals bearing monarchical titles such as Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo and Igwe within Edo State, declaring the practice unauthorized and contrary to the directives of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

The directive was contained in a statement presented at a press conference in Benin City on Monday, June 8, 2026, by the Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Edo State chapter, Engr. Emmanuel Ofoegbu, on behalf of the State President, Chief Sir Benjamin Ezekwere.

Addressing journalists, Ofoegbu said the decision followed a resolution adopted by the General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on April 9, 2026, which mandated strict compliance across all chapters of the organisation, including Edo State.

“I address you today on the clear and unambiguous directive of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, following the resolution passed by the General Assembly on April 9, 2026,” he said.

According to him, the resolution expressly prohibits the conferment, installation or coronation of persons bearing such monarchical titles outside Igboland, noting that the practice has now been proscribed by the apex body.

“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,” he said.

He added that the global body resolved that “the practice of conferring such titles and the installation or coronation of persons bearing them outside Igboland is hereby proscribed.”

Ofoegbu further stated that the prohibition applies to all Igbo persons residing in the diaspora and in all parts of Nigeria, including Edo State.

“The prohibition applies expressly to all Igbo persons residing in the Diaspora and in every part of Nigeria, including Edo State,” he said.

He noted that the decision was jointly backed by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, insisting that it had legal backing.

“The South East Council of Traditional Rulers, in conjunction with Ohanaeze 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,” he stated.

He also referenced a court judgment, saying,“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.”

Ofoegbu warned that anyone currently bearing such titles in Edo State without recognition from established traditional institutions in Igboland would be deemed to be in violation of both the resolution and the court ruling.

“Therefore, 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,” he said.

He added that such practices are “hereby proscribed and completely prohibited.”

Meanwhile, the organisation also announced the commencement of a voter mobilisation drive, calling on members of the Igbo community in Edo State to participate actively in civic engagement and the electoral process as part of efforts to strengthen political participation and representation.