By Temple Chidera
The Committee on the Regularization of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Title and Leadership (CRIDTTL) ,has raised the alarm over alleged subtle moves to whittle down the Onyendu Framework.
This warning is coming on the heels of ongoing social media campaign by the proponents of “Association of Ndindu, Ndieze and Igbo Nobles”.
CRIDTTL, therefore Warned Ndindu Ndigbo against unknowingly Using the newly proposed framework to revive the proscribed “Eze Ndigbo “Structure.
According to the Committee ,Ndindu Ndigbo participation in the new ‘unholy’ merger, has the propensity to seriously undermine the lawful Onyendu framework.
In a statement signed by it’s Secretary ,Prince Ubochi Ubochi (JP), MCSN, FICCON, CRIDTTL issued a strong warning to all inducted Onyendu Ndigbo, cautioning them against participating in any association or platform that seeks to bring them together with persons operating under the former or proscribed Ndieze/Eze Ndigbo framework.
The warning followed what the Committee described as moves by Mr. Femi Ferguson and Mr. Chimobi Apachi, whom it identified as a self-styled HRH Eze, to promote an association known as the Association of Ndieze, Ndindu and Igbo Nobles.
According to CRIDTTL, the proposed association seeks to bring Ndindu Ndigbo and persons operating under the former Ndieze arrangement together as “colleagues in progress.”
The Committee described the development as “highly inappropriate, unacceptable and fundamentally inconsistent” with the institutional framework under which the Onyendu Ndigbo system was established.
The statement reiterated that the transition from the former diaspora royal-title arrangement to Onyendu Ndigbo, was intended to establish a new and clearly differentiated framework for Igbo cultural leadership outside Igboland.
“The transition from the former diaspora royal-title arrangement to Onyendu Ndigbo was not undertaken as a mere change of name,” the Committee said.
Further ,it added that the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers (SECTR) had implemented Onyendu Ndigbo as the designation for recognised diaspora traditional leaders, with emphasis on traditional representation rather than territorial traditional rulership.
CRIDTTL further referenced the position it said was publicly announced by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on April 9, 2026, concerning the proscription of the conferment and use of the title Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland.
The Committee also cited subsequent positions attributed to the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government regarding the use of such titles outside Igboland.
CRIDTTL said its principal concern was that an institutional platform bringing recognised Onyendu Ndigbo together with persons operating under the former Ndieze/Eze structure could create the impression that the two systems have equal institutional recognition.
“Any attempt to assemble recognised Ndindu Ndigbo in an association or platform specifically designed to place them side-by-side with, or present them as colleagues in progress with, persons operating under the proscribed Ndieze/Eze Ndigbo framework could create the impression that the two systems are equally recognised and legitimate.”
The Committee also stressed that such an impression would be inconsistent with its understanding of the framework established by SECTR.
It warned that an Onyendu who knowingly lends his or her name, title, presence, office or status to such an arrangement could undermine the same institutional framework under which the individual was screened, recognised and inducted.
‘Do not become instruments for reviving the old structure’
The Committee said it would be particularly concerned if persons recognised under the Onyendu framework became involved in efforts that could be interpreted as reintroducing, normalising or legitimising the nomenclature and structure that the new framework was intended to replace.
“It would be particularly unfortunate for persons who received recognition under the new framework to become instruments for reintroducing, normalising or legitimising the nomenclature and structure that the new framework was designed to replace,” CRIDTTL stated.
The Committee went further, describing the use of the Onyendu framework to legitimise a proscribed diaspora royal-title structure as a direct challenge to the institutional process that created the new arrangement.
“For an inducted Onyendu Ndigbo to allow himself to be used to legitimise, revive or normalise a proscribed diaspora royal-title structure would amount to a direct affront to the institutional process that brought the Onyendu framework into existence.”
The Committee, however, clarified that it was not attempting to regulate the private friendships or personal relationships of individual Ndindu.
“This is not a question of personal friendship, association or cordiality. Ndindu are free to maintain personal relationships with whoever they choose.”
According to CRIDTTL, the issue arises when an inducted Onyendu’s official title, status or participation is used to give institutional legitimacy to an arrangement that the Committee considers inconsistent with the current framework.
It therefore advised all inducted Ndindu Ndigbo to exercise caution before participating in any association, meeting, programme or platform whose stated purpose or practical effect is to merge, reconcile or place the Onyendu Ndigbo and Ndieze/Eze Ndigbo structures on the same institutional footing.
CRIDTTL warned that participation in such an arrangement could attract institutional attention.
“Any Onyendu Ndigbo who nevertheless chooses to participate should understand that CRIDTTL will regard such participation as a matter requiring institutional attention and may take appropriate steps within its mandate.”
The Committee said it had a responsibility to protect the integrity, credibility and distinct identity of the Onyendu Ndigbo framework.
“We cannot build a new house and simultaneously provide the tools needed to destroy it.”
‘Onyendu framework must not be used to legitimise proscribed structure’
The Committee called on all inducted Onyendu Ndigbo to demonstrate what it described as discipline, loyalty to the established framework and respect for the authority under which their recognition was granted.
CRIDTTL reaffirmed its commitment to “order, unity, dignity, responsible leadership and the preservation of Igbo cultural values throughout the diaspora.”
It concluded with a firm message:
“Let there be no ambiguity; the Onyendu Ndigbo framework must not be used to legitimise what the relevant institutions have expressly proscribed.”
