Igbo Leader Calls for End to 'Eze Igbo' Titles in Diaspora After Ghana Palace Attack

The President General of the Igbo Community Assembly in Abuja, Engr. Ikenna Ezenekwe, has called for the complete abolition of the ‘Eze Igbo’ title in the Diaspora, saying it goes against the traditional system of kingship practiced in Igbo land.

Ezenekwe made the call while reacting to a recent attack on the palace of the Eze Igbo in Ghana, reportedly sparked by disputes over land acquisition by the monarch. The incident, which drew outrage, has now reignited debates around the role and relevance of the “Eze Igbo” title outside Nigeria.

While condemning the violence, Ezenekwe said such conflicts between Igbo monarchs abroad and host communities often arise due to the overbearing attitude of some of the titleholders.

“Some people want to become kings in foreign lands. If you want to be Eze, return to your village and contest. We already have traditional rulers in every autonomous Igbo community,” he said.

He stressed that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, had previously recommended the scrapping of the title, and he fully supports the move. According to him, scrapping the title would help reduce tension and promote peaceful coexistence between Igbos and their host communities.

Instead of the “Eze Igbo” title, Ezenekwe recommended that Igbos in the Diaspora should operate through a “President General” and a “Council of Elders”—a more community-based leadership model.

“We don’t need Eze Igbo titles in the Diaspora when our people already have kings at home. Let’s adopt more inclusive and less controversial systems of leadership abroad,” he added.

He also urged Igbos living outside Nigeria to respect the culture and authority of their host communities, warning that disrespect or attempts to claim traditional power could worsen relations and lead to unnecessary crisis.