How Igbo Groups Swindled Eze Frederick Nwajiagu Over Ezendigbo Lagos Title
Posted on May 17, 2026
KINGSLEY EBERE
The Ezendigbo in Ajao Estate, Lagos State, Eze Fredrick Nwajiagu, had a nasty experience following his intention to be coronated as the Ezendigbo Gburugburu 2 Lagos State by various Igbo groups in the state.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that some of the individual members of the groups reportedly collected huge sums of money and worked behind as groups to stop the coronation coming up on Sunday, 17th May, 2026.
Thus, several Igbo socio-cultural groups in Lagos have issued public disclaimers distancing themselves from Chief Frederick N. Nwajiagu’s planned coronation as “Ezendigbo Lagos State” and “Eze Gburugburu II,” scheduled for May 17, 2026.
The groups said that the title is unauthorized and violates both Lagos State law and resolutions of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The controversy centered on invitations circulated by Nwajiagu announcing a coronation ceremony in Lagos.
According to the documents, he claimed that he is to be installed as Ezendigbo Lagos State and Eze Gburugburu II, titles that Igbo leadership bodies say have no validity outside Igboland.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, the apex socio-cultural organization for Ndigbo in the state, issued the first disclaimer through its Secretary General, Chief Robert Obasi.
The group stated that the use of titles such as Igwe, Eze, and similar traditional appellations by individuals in Lagos is prohibited under a law enacted by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, Nwajiagu has continued to appear in full traditional regalia and bear the titles Igwe Onataludikemma and Eze Ndi Igbo Gburugburu II Lagos State despite the ban. The organization said it completely dissociates itself from his publication and activities.
The group added that its position aligns with a directive from Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which has ordered that titles like Eze Ndi Igbo and Igwe must cease globally in the diaspora. Ohanaeze Lagos condemned what it called “persistent disobedience, defiance, and disregard” for both the state law and the directive of the parent body.
It warned that actions by “rogue elements” cannot impose Nwajiagu or any self-styled Elders Council on Ndigbo in Lagos.
The group stressed that Ndigbo in Lagos remain law-abiding and committed to respecting the laws, customs, and institutions of their host community. It urged members not to participate in, identify with, or attend any gathering convened under unauthorized traditional titles.
The factional Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elders’ Council, Lagos Chapter, led by Chief Uche and (Okpotemba) issued a second disclaimer dated May 16, 2026.
The disclaimer, which was duly signed by Chief Uche Dimgba and Secretary Rev. Paul Eze stated that Mr. Nwajagu “has not been coronated and holds no recognized traditional title” as Ezendigbo Lagos State or Eze Gburugburu II. They described the invitation as premature and misleading.
The Elders’ Council referenced a resolution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the South East Council of Traditional Rulers that formally and irrevocably abolished the institution of ezeship and similar titles outside Igboland. The council said the resolution is binding on every Igbo person, irrespective of location or factional affiliation.
According to the Elders’ Council, the directive was issued to preserve the dignity of traditional institutions, prevent fragmentation of Igbo unity, and stop the proliferation of self-styled traditional rulers. Any person who assumes such a title does so in direct violation of the collective decision of Igbo leadership.
The council said it dissociates itself entirely from Nwajiagu and the purported coronation scheduled for May 17, 2026. It declared that the era of impunity and self-aggrandizement is over, and that all Igbos are bound by the lawful directives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
A third group, the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos led by High Chief Dr. Sunday Udeh, also warned members against attending the ceremony. In an urgent notice signed by Chief Security Officer, Sir Eric Okechukwu Nwafor, the group said members who attend would do so “at their own risk” and called for the event to be put on hold.
The notice directed all members to comply with the instruction and avoid any participation that contravenes the resolutions of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the South East Traditional Rulers Council. It warned that failure to comply could lead to further administrative and legal steps.
All three groups called on Lagos State law enforcement agencies, the Commissioner of Police, and the DSS to ensure strict compliance with the laws of Lagos State by preventing unauthorized activities. They said the state must discourage events that contravene its legislation.
For the avoidance of doubt, the groups maintained that only a process overseen by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and recognized Igbo leadership in Lagos can produce a legitimate representative for Ndigbo in the state.
P.M.EXPRESS confirmed that the only organization empowered by law to coronate Eze title, is Igbo Speaking community and for the group to have disassociated from the coronation, it means that the coronation is a nullity.
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