By CHARLES IWUOHA

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has abolished the award of 'Eze Ndigbo' title anywhere in the world that is outside Igbo land.

Ndigbo in the past had placed embargo on such titles outside Igbo land, the Igbo in diaspora have remained defiant, bringing about commotion and confrontation with their host communities in the world.

This is as the Igbo parent body described the imprisonment of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nmamdi Kanu as tantamount to the jailing of the entire Igbo.

President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, announced the declaration on the abolishment during the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and General Assembly meeting in Enugu, on Thursday.

"The National Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo after an extensive meeting with the Southeast council of traditional rulers hereby adopt their position on the proscription of the award of the title of Eze Ndigbo outside Igbo land.

"Anybody who is being awarded that type of title anywhere outside of Igbo land is on his own. It's unknown to the Igbo people and we will call upon all state governors, we'll correspond to all embassies in the world informing them about the position of Ndigbo.

"The position of Eze Ndigbo anywhere outside Igbo land is hereby alienated and proscribed. That is the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

"We will determine in consultation with the kings of Igbo land what the punishment will be for anybody who goes against this position and that punishment will be implemented at your village level. Your hometown, your town union will be under injunction to implement that punishment but we are going to declare that punishment after due consultation."

At the Imeobi meeting, Mbata called on the Federal Government to release the detained leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued incarceration as a burden borne by the entire Igbo nation.

He stressed that Kanu’s detention goes beyond an individual case, reflecting what he described as the collective emotional state of Ndigbo.

“I have told the government that Nnamdi Kanu is in jail, it is the entire Igboland that is there. There’s no Igbo man that is happy that Kanu is in incarceration. Let our people stop deceiving the Federal Government. We’re calling on the government to release Kanu. This is the minimal demand of Ndigbo,” Mbata said.

Beyond the issue of Kanu, the Ohanaeze leader urged unity among Igbo leaders and stakeholders, warning that internal divisions could slow down the region’s progress.

“As we convene today at this monumental Imeobi and General Assembly, it is with deep humility and great honour that I stand before you. This gathering is not just a meeting; it is a testament to our resilience, our unity, and our unwavering commitment to the advancement of Ndigbo and our beloved Alaigbo,” he said.

Reflecting on the region’s past, Mbata noted that challenges faced over the years should serve as lessons for building a stronger future.

“Today, we stand at a pivotal moment in our history—a moment that calls for introspection and action. The pains of the past are lessons learned, guiding us towards a more prosperous future,” he added.

He called on stakeholders to set aside political, economic and social differences in pursuit of a shared vision.

“We must set aside any differences that may divide us and unite under the banner of progress and prosperity for our people. Our strength lies in our ability to forge a common purpose,” Mbata said.

He also charged leaders to be courageous and accountable in their responsibilities, noting that their actions would shape the future of the region.

On national issues, the Ohanaeze President-General expressed support for ongoing discussions on additional state creation, describing it as a welcome development.

“Additional state creation is a welcome development. We’re happy that it is receiving attention,” he said.

Mbata further emphasised the importance of preserving Igbo language and culture, urging families and institutions to promote it actively.

“Our language is our identity; let us preserve it for posterity,” he stated.

He also commended Igbo people in the diaspora for their contributions and encouraged them to continue representing the region positively in their host communities.