The Committee on the Regularization of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Title and Leadership (CRIDTTL) has issued a warning to Ndigbo, particularly Igbo associations, community leaders, event organisers, and the general public. They are cautioned against the indiscriminate use and conferment of royal titles outside Igboland. This warning aims to prevent conflict, misunderstanding, and possible confrontation with various governments and traditional institutions.
According to the statement released by Prince Ubochi Ubochi, Secretary of CRIDTTL, Ndigbo are strongly advised not to address, recognise, advertise, introduce, or confer anyone as “Eze,” “Eze Ndigbo,” “Eze Igbo,” “Igwe,” “Obi,” “HRH,” “HRM,” or any other royal derivative in connection with Igbo leadership in the diaspora. This is unless such a title is duly recognised and certified by the appropriate government or traditional authority.
The establishment of the Onyendu Ndigbo framework represents a deliberate effort to provide a structured, responsible, and peaceful system of Igbo leadership outside Igboland. This framework aims to bring order and legitimacy to Igbo leadership in diaspora communities. Individuals who have been formally recognised under the approved framework should be addressed strictly by their duly approved designation.
The statement warned that no individual, association, town union, or social group has the authority to create, confer, or manufacture royal titles for itself or others outside the established process. The fact that a person is prominent, wealthy, influential, or has previously been addressed by a royal title does not, by itself, confer authority to continue using such a designation in the Diaspora.
CRIDTTL called on all Ndigbo to exercise restraint, discipline, and responsibility and avoid titles that can create competing claims to traditional authority or generate unnecessary disputes within their communities and with host authorities. This call for restraint is aimed at maintaining peace and harmony among Ndigbo and with their host communities.
Some Igbo leaders who previously used titles such as “Eze,” “Eze Ndigbo,” “Eze Igbo,” “Igwe,” “Obi,” “HRH,” “HRM” have continued to use them despite warnings to stop and desist from doing so. The committee's warning is a reaffirmation of its commitment to regulating Igbo traditional titles and leadership in the diaspora.
The committee's efforts are geared towards establishing a structured and responsible system of Igbo leadership outside Igboland. By adhering to the established framework and guidelines, Ndigbo can maintain peace, harmony, and legitimacy in their leadership and traditional practices. This will also foster better relationships with host authorities and communities.
Key points
- The Committee on the Regularization of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Title and Leadership warns Ndigbo against using unauthorised royal and monarchical titles outside Igboland.
- The Onyendu Ndigbo framework provides a structured system for Igbo leadership in diaspora communities.
- Ndigbo are advised to exercise restraint and avoid titles that can create disputes within their communities and with host authorities.
