Igbo community in Lagos bans use of ‘royal highness’, ‘royal majesty’ titles
The Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos State has stepped up efforts to enforce discipline and uphold constitutional order among its traditional leaders, cautioning titleholders against the unauthorized use of royal designations such as “Royal Highness” and “Royal Majesty.”
The warning followed an emergency meeting of the association’s Board of Trustees, BoT, and executive council, where members resolved to curb the growing disregard for the community’s constitution and to prevent misunderstandings with the Lagos State Government and host communities.
In a statement jointly signed by the BoT Chairman, Chief Jonathan Nnaji, and the President, Chief Sunday Ude, the group reaffirmed that the title of Eze Ndigbo remains the only legitimate and constitutionally recognized traditional position within the Igbo community structure in Lagos.
According to the statement, the increasing trend of self-proclaimed royal titles and claims to nonexistent positions such as “Obi of Lagos” has caused unnecessary confusion both within the Igbo community and among their hosts.
“All Eze Ndigbo under the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos are hereby directed to desist from using prefixes such as ‘Royal Highness’ or ‘Royal Majesty’ with immediate effect,” the leadership declared. “The only recognized and constitutional title remains Eze Ndigbo.”
The BoT also warned that any individual who violates the directive would be deemed to have breached the organization’s constitution and would face disciplinary action accordingly.
Clarifying its position, the leadership noted that the community’s constitution makes no provision for titles such as “Obi of Lagos,” describing such claims as misleading and detrimental to peaceful coexistence. It urged the public to disregard anyone parading such titles, emphasizing that the Igbo community operates under a formal structure recognized by law.
Beyond addressing title abuse, the association also appealed to all Igbo residents in Lagos to remain law-abiding, promote unity, and maintain harmonious relationships with other ethnic groups in the state.
It advised members to exercise caution in property transactions, stressing the importance of verifying ownership documents and ensuring compliance with Lagos State development and planning regulations before purchasing land or constructing buildings.
“We urge our people to live peacefully, remain responsible residents, and conduct due diligence when acquiring properties in Lagos,” the statement added.