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Edo State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has announced a total prohibition on the use, installation, and conferment of the titles Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, and other similar monarchical designations within the state.
The group, a foremost socio-cultural organization representing the interests, welfare, and unity of the Igbo people, described the practice as illegal and contrary to both traditional customs and existing court pronouncements.
The declaration was made by the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Edo State Chapter, Chief (Sir) Benjamin Ezekwere, during a press briefing on Monday in Benin.q
Ezekwere said the directive followed a resolution adopted by the General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on April 9, 2026, which proscribed the creation of parallel traditional institutions and the conferment of monarchical titles outside recognized traditional structures in Igboland.
According to him, the resolution applies to all Igbo persons residing outside the South-East, including those in Edo State and the Diaspora.
He explained that the decision was jointly backed by the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, insisting that no individual, group, or association possesses the statutory or customary authority to establish monarchical institutions outside the ancestral jurisdictions recognized by law and custom in Igboland.
The Ohanaeze leader further disclosed that a competent court had, in Suit No. B/290/2015, declared such practices illegal and criminal, stressing that any installation, coronation, or public recognition of persons bearing the titles Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, or similar appellations in Edo State amounts to a violation of the court judgment.
“Any person currently parading himself with such titles or performing the functions attached to those offices without recognition from established traditional institutions in Igboland is acting in breach of both the resolution and the court judgment,” he stated.
Ezekwere, whose address was read by the chapter’s Secretary, Engr. Emmanuel Ofoedu, warned that any attempt to install or coronate individuals under such titles within Edo State would be regarded as a violation of the law, adding that organizers, participants, and beneficiaries of such ceremonies would be held accountable.
He maintained that the only recognized leadership structure for Ndi Igbo in Edo State remains the Edo State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, working alongside community unions, town unions, and other recognized stakeholders under the authority of the national body.
The organization also reaffirmed its allegiance to Oba Ewuare II and other traditional institutions across Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts.
He called on the Edo State Government, security agencies, and members of the public to take note of the proscription and ensure compliance.
According to him, the measure is intended to preserve the sanctity of traditional institutions, prevent conflict, and promote unity among Ndi Igbo residing in Edo State.
