South East Council Of Traditional Rulers led by HRM Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke CFR, Bans Use of Ezeigbo Title Outside Igboland
South East Council of Traditional Rulers (SECTR), at the end of its quarterly delegates meeting in Enugu 11th December, 2025 and Umuahia, Abia State Friday 20th March, 2026 decided to inform the general public particularly Government Ministries/Agencies, Foreign Missions/Embassies, Law Enforcement Agencies and other Stakeholders on the urgent need to stop use the Title “Ezeigbo” by Igbo – Leaders in Diaspora and also of its decision that all Igbo – Leaders in Diaspora shall use the Title “Ndi ndu Ndigbo” plural “ Onyendu Ndigbo” singular respectively.
It is necessary to explain for the information of the general public that:
“Eze” is a Revered traditional title reserved by legislation, culture and tradition for only traditional rulers recognized by government in South East States.
“Eze” is a title used by a Traditional Ruler chosen by the people of his community or Kingdom and enthroned/coronated in accordance with the laid down customs, culture, tradition, rules and processes inherited from their fore-bearers progenitors/ ancestors. It is important to know that issues associated with the selection and enthronement of Traditional Rulers are deep rooted in certain unique rituals, divinations and sacred ceremonies which are clearly defined and established by the culture and traditions of various ethnic groups Ndigbo inclusive.
“Eze” as the king is referred to in Igbo-land must have a community, kingdom or clan to administer as his ancestral home. (Not outside his domain or place of birth) which is to say that an Eze must come from.
A community, kingdom or clan where he is the Traditional Ruler i.e not a person from a community in Imo State answering Ezeigbo in Mushin Lagos State, an error and absurdity.
An “Eze” must have a symbol of Authority called Ofo (Scared staff) which is not merely a ceremonial item but spiritual tool given to him by his people to enable him perform his statutory, cultural and traditional roles in his community as the traditional ruler (must be equipped spiritual for the task ahead).
The Title “Eze” cannot be given or conferred on a person outside his community irrespective of the person’s standing in the society, since it is not a title of convenience but one that is rooted in the culture and traditions of the people (peculiarities of the various communities and kingdoms).
In order to put records straight, the South East Council of Traditional decided to use this medium to take this clarification on who should use the Title “Eze” in Igbo Land and what qualifies him Culturally and Traditionally to do as the “Eze” is not for sale to the Highest Bidder – it is sacred and should be treated in like manner with respect, dignity and reverence.
WHO SHALL BE CALLED “AN EZE” IN IGBO LAND?
A Traditional Ruler shall be called an Eze in Igbo Land after passing through the following processes:
He shall be selected by his people (community) in accordance to their culture, tradition and constitution.
He shall be presented to the Local Government Chairman by his people after selection.
The Local Government Executive Chairman shall send his file to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for their investigation and processing after waiting for 21 days in case of any contention.
The Ministry of Local Government shall forward his file to the Directorate of State Security Service (DSS) for further investigation and screening to ascertain credibility, integrity and ex-convict status.
After proper screening and he comes out successful (unblemished) his file shall be sent to the Secretary of the State Government for acceptance.
The State Government through the office of theSecretary shall issue him a letter of recognition.
The Governor shall thereafter at an elaborate ceremony give him a certificate of recognition and a Staff of Office, With the Certificate of Recognition and A Staff of Office, he can be called an Eze.
Before passing through the processes enumerated above, the candidate remains an “Eze Elect” which has also been abrogated due to abuse by unsuccessful candidates.
Please kindly note and ensure compliant as this is for your information, action.