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The Igbo-Speaking Community in Lagos State has issued a new directive prohibiting the use of royal appellations such as “Royal Highness” and “Royal Majesty” among its traditional titleholders.
The decision followed an emergency meeting of the association’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and Executive Council, convened to address increasing disregard for the organization’s constitution and to forestall any friction with the Lagos State Government or host communities.
In a statement jointly endorsed by the BoT Chairman, Chief Jonathan Nnaji, and the President, Chief Sunday Ude, the body reaffirmed that the position of Eze Ndigbo remains the sole constitutionally recognized traditional title within the Igbo community structure in Lagos.
The leadership expressed concern over the recent proliferation of self-proclaimed monarchs and unapproved royal titles, which it described as misleading and capable of creating unnecessary tension both within the Igbo community and with other ethnic groups.
“All Eze Ndigbo under the Igbo-Speaking Community are hereby directed to stop attaching royal prefixes such as ‘Royal Highness’ or ‘Royal Majesty’ to their names,” the statement read. “The only recognized and legitimate designation remains Eze Ndigbo.”
The association also warned that anyone found violating this directive would be deemed to have breached the community’s constitution and would face disciplinary measures accordingly.
Reiterating its commitment to order and harmony, the leadership clarified that the community’s constitution makes no provision for titles such as “Obi of Lagos” or similar designations, urging the public to disregard anyone parading such titles.
Beyond the issue of title abuse, the body appealed to all Igbo residents in Lagos to remain law-abiding and to continue fostering peaceful coexistence with other ethnic groups in the state.
It further advised members to exercise caution in property dealings by verifying ownership documents and ensuring compliance with Lagos State development regulations before purchasing land or beginning construction.
“We encourage our people to maintain peace, obey state laws, and conduct thorough checks when engaging in property transactions,” the statement concluded.
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