Igbo group condemns crowning of “Eze Ndigbo” in South Africa
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The Abuja ICA reminded the public that the Southeast Traditional Council had previously issued a communique outlawing the practice of enthroning "Eze Ndigbo" in foreign domains.
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh
The Igbo Community Association (ICA) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has strongly condemned the attempted coronation of an “Eze Ndigbo” in South Africa, describing the practice as an illegal affront to both host communities and established Igbo traditional institutions.
In a statement jointly signed by the President-General of Abuja ICA, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe and the Secretary-General, Emmanuel Chinwoke Onah, the Igbos expressed deep concern over the near-xenophobic reactions sparked by the event.
While the Association denounced the hostile actions of protesters in South Africa, it equally blamed the organizers for bringing, “continued embarrassment to the totality of Igbos and Nigerians.”
The Abuja ICA reminded the public that the Southeast Traditional Council had previously issued a communique outlawing the practice of enthroning “Eze Ndigbo” in foreign domains.
“This position was formally affirmed by Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people.
“It is wrong, illegal, and a direct violation of our customs to enthrone a king in another person’s domain,” the statement read.
“The leadership of the Igbo community in Abuja will not stand by while the actions of a few individuals in the diaspora jeopardize the safety and reputation of millions of our kinsmen globally,” the Statement added.
Citing past diplomatic frictions in Ghana and other regions, the Abuja ICA urged Nigerian and international law enforcement agencies to intervene.
“We are calling on security agencies to help stop the proliferation of these illegal coronations. Any person parading himself as an ‘Ezeigbo’ in the diaspora should be arrested and prosecuted. We must prevent a replication of the tensions seen in Ghana across other diaspora communities,” the statement stated.
The Association emphasized that the dignity of the Igbo heritage must be preserved through respect for the laws of host nations and the directives of the traditional fathers back home in Nigeria’s Southeast.
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