By joshua Ohaneze Ndigbo Bans Use Of Ezeigbo, Igwe Titles In Edo
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The Edo State chapter of Ohaneze 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 that such practices are unauthorized and contrary to resolutions of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.
The directive was contained in a statement presented to journalists at the press centre in Benin City on Monday, by the Secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Edo State Chapter, Engr. Emmanuel Ofoegbu, on behalf of the State President, Chief Sir Benjamin Ezekwere.
Chief Ofoegbu stated that,the action followed a resolution adopted by the General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on April 9, 2026.
“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.”
According to him, the worldwide body resolved that “the practice of conferring such titles and the installation or coronation of persons bearing them outside Igboland is hereby proscribed.”
He added that the prohibition “applies expressly to all Igbo persons residing in the Diaspora and in every part of Nigeria, including Edo State.”
The Ohaneze official said the decision was jointly backed by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, claiming that the position had judicial 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 unequivocally stated 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.”
He warned that, 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.
The organization declared that anyone currently bearing such titles in Edo State without recognition from established traditional institutions in Igboland would be regarded as acting contrary to the resolution and court judgment, warning that future coronations or installations would not be tolerated.
Adding that, any person within Edo State currently bearing the title of Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, or any similar monarchical title or performing the functions or duties of such office without recognition from the established traditional institutions in Igboland is acting in breach of the resolution and the court judgment. Such conduct is hereby proscribed and completely prohibited.
“Any attempt to install, coronate, or confer such titles on any person within Edo State is prohibited. Organizers, participants, and beneficiaries of such ceremonies will be deemed to be in violation of the resolution and the law.”
He stated further that, the only legitimate traditional leadership structure for Ndi Igbo in Edo State remains the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Edo State Chapter, working in collaboration with Igbo Community Union, Town Unions and Community leaders, under the authority of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.”
“We hereby reiterate our full and total allegiance to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, and all other traditional institutions in Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts.”
“We call on the general public, the Government of Edo State, and all security agencies to take notice that the use of these monarchical titles by unauthorized persons has been proscribed by both the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and declared illegal by the court.”
He warned that they will not allow the actions of a few to misrepresent us or create confusion within the traditional and administrative systems of Edo State.
“This resolution is not to diminish any individual, but to protect the sanctity of our traditional institutions, prevent conflict, and ensure that Ndi Igbo in Edo State remain law-abiding and united under one recognized structure,” the statement added.
Speaking at the event, the Legal Adviser to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Edo State Chapter, George Igbokwe (SAN), explained that the decision was aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence with host communities.