The Federal Government has condemned the increasing trend of installing or crowning individuals as Eze Ndigbo in foreign countries, describing the practice as embarrassing and capable of triggering diplomatic and communal tensions.
The position was contained in a statement linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where officials warned that such coronations have repeatedly led to misunderstandings between Nigerian diaspora communities and their host countries.
According to the government, while Nigerians abroad are free to organise cultural and social associations, the creation of traditional rulership structures outside Igboland has become problematic.
“The proliferation of these titles abroad is embarrassing to Nigeria and capable of causing unnecessary diplomatic friction,” the statement said.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, also raised concern over the issue during a meeting with the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in Enugu. She noted that the practice has contributed to tensions in some host countries.
“The situation has become a big embarrassment to government, Ndigbo, Nigerians and other foreigners in those countries where they have Eze Ndigbo,” she said.
The Federal Government further explained that it is working with relevant stakeholders, including traditional institutions in the South-East, to address the matter and prevent further incidents abroad.
It also warned that some of these coronations have been misinterpreted by host communities, sometimes leading to protests, diplomatic complaints, and security concerns.
Authorities reiterated that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad while also ensuring that cultural expressions do not create conflict or misrepresentation internationally.