Ohanaeze Ndigbo Bans Use of Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo and Igwe Titles in Edo State, Cites Resolution and Court Judgment

The Edo State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has announced a total ban on the use, conferment, installation, and public recognition of monarchical titles such as Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, and similar traditional designations within Edo State, declaring the practice unauthorized and contrary to the directives of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.

The announcement was made during a press briefing held in Benin City on Monday, June 8, 2026, where the organization’s Secretary, Engr. Emmanuel Ofoegbu, addressed journalists on behalf of the State President, Chief Sir Benjamin Ezekwere.

According to the organization, the directive is binding on all members and chapters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and is aimed at preserving the integrity of recognized traditional institutions in Igboland.

Directive Based on Ohanaeze Worldwide Resolution

Speaking at the briefing, Ofoegbu explained that the decision followed a resolution adopted by the General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on April 9, 2026, which instructed all state chapters to enforce a prohibition on the creation or recognition of parallel monarchical titles outside their ancestral jurisdictions.

He stated that the resolution leaves no ambiguity regarding the organization’s position on the issue.

According to him, the directive specifically prohibits the conferment, installation, or coronation of individuals bearing titles such as Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, or any other similar royal designation outside the recognized traditional institutions of Igboland.

He emphasized that all chapters, including the Edo State chapter, have been directed to implement the resolution strictly.

Applies to Igbo Communities Outside Igboland

The organization noted that the prohibition is not limited to Edo State alone but extends to Igbo communities living outside the South-East region and across the diaspora.

According to the statement, individuals or associations do not possess the customary or statutory authority to establish parallel traditional institutions or create royal titles outside the ancestral jurisdictions recognized under Igbo tradition and law.

Ohanaeze maintained that only established traditional institutions within Igboland have the authority to confer such monarchical titles.

Reference to Court Judgment

The Edo State chapter also stated that its position is supported by an existing court judgment.

During the briefing, Ofoegbu referenced Suit No. B/290/2015, stating that a court of competent jurisdiction had declared such actions illegal and criminal.

He argued that any installation, coronation, or public presentation of individuals as Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, or similar monarchs within Edo State would be contrary to both the judicial pronouncement and the resolution adopted by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

As a result, the organization declared that the practice is prohibited within the state.

Warning to Individuals Bearing Such Titles

The organization warned that anyone currently using or parading themselves with such monarchical titles in Edo State without recognition from the established traditional institutions in Igboland would be regarded as acting contrary to the directive.

It stressed that no individual, association, or community group should organize coronations, installations, or ceremonies conferring these titles within Edo State.

The leadership called on members of the Igbo community to comply fully with the directive in order to preserve the authenticity and cultural significance of recognized traditional institutions.

Ohanaeze Announces Voter Mobilisation Campaign

In addition to the announcement on traditional titles, the Edo State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo disclosed plans to commence a voter mobilisation campaign aimed at increasing civic participation among members of the Igbo community residing in the state.

The organization encouraged eligible voters to actively participate in the electoral process, describing political engagement as an important avenue for improving representation and advancing the interests of the community.

According to the leadership, the mobilisation exercise forms part of broader efforts to strengthen democratic participation and ensure that members of the community contribute meaningfully to governance and public affairs.

Key Highlights

The Edo State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo says the directive is intended to protect the legitimacy of traditional institutions and ensure that monarchical titles remain within the jurisdictions recognized by Igbo custom, law, and established traditional authority.