From “Eze Ndigbo” to “Onyendu Ndigbo”: Lagos Igbo Leaders Explain Shift Amid Leadership Crisis and Cultural Concerns
By Clement Odum
The leadership of the Association of Ndi Ndu Ndigbo Nauzoije, Lagos State chapter, has clarified the reasons behind its decision to abandon the “Eze Ndigbo” title in favor of “Onyendu Ndigbo,” citing issues of misrepresentation, cultural integrity, and organizational breakdown.
At a media conference held in Lagos, the group coordinator, Onyendu John-Greg Okey Ezebuadi, addressed stakeholders and members of the press, describing the move as a necessary step to restore dignity and order within Igbo leadership structures in the diaspora.
Also present at the briefing was Ozor Onyendu Nwaemeka Agbo of Umuokolobia-Gburu Gburu.
Speaking during the event, Onyendu Ezebuadi said the conference was convened to counter what he described as “sponsored misinformation” by individuals claiming the title of Eze Ndigbo without proper authority or understanding of its significance.
According to him, many of those parading the title were conferred it as a mere honorary or commercial gesture, lacking the cultural legitimacy and recognition accorded to traditional rulers certified by their respective state governments in the Southeast.
He stressed that the association’s constitution clearly reserves titles such as HRH and HRM for duly recognized traditional rulers within their indigenous communities, warning that any deviation undermines Igbo customs and leadership values.
On the controversial change in nomenclature, Ezebuadi recalled that a former Chairman of the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze C.I. Ilomuanya, had earlier announced a proposed renaming of Eze Ndigbo through national newspapers without consulting diaspora leaders.
He explained that in response, Igbo leaders in the diaspora reaffirmed their identity as an organized body guided by tradition, leading to consultations involving the late former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue.
Following deliberations, a recommendation was made to adopt alternative names, including “Ndi-Ishi Ndigbo.” Although initially accepted and publicized, the decision was later rejected, creating further confusion within the leadership structure.
Ezebuadi also revealed that in 2013, a meeting convened by the Imo State Government proposed “Ochi Igbo” as a replacement title, a resolution the association embraced. However, this too was reportedly opposed shortly after, deepening divisions.
He identified the turning point as the gradual collapse of the Eze Ndigbo council structure, which he said became infiltrated and weakened by conflicting interests. According to him, titles were increasingly commercialized, with some allegedly sold for as little as ₦100,000 without due process or cultural orientation.
“This led to a situation where individuals with no recognized standing began to parade themselves as ‘His Imperial Majesty,’ even in communities where they had no roots,” he said.
Ezebuadi further disclosed that in 2025, the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers formally banned the use of “Eze Ndigbo ,” making it untenable for the association to continue with the title.
He concluded that the adoption of “Onyendu Ndigbo” represents a deliberate effort to restore credibility, ensure cultural alignment, and preserve the integrity of Igbo leadership in the diaspora.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to upholding Igbo traditions and called on members of the public to disregard unauthorized claims to traditional titles.
