By Erewunmi Peace

The Government of Ghana has officially condemned claims by a Nigerian national, Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, who described himself as an “Eze” (king) of the Igbo people in Ghana and allegedly planned to establish an “Igbo Kingdom” in the Greater Accra Region.

The controversy erupted after a resurfaced video from 2013 showed Ihenetu stating that he had secured 50 acres of land in Old Ningo, which he intended to use to build a settlement and cultural base for the Igbo community. The footage sparked widespread backlash across Ghana, with citizens and traditional leaders warning against what they perceived as an illegal attempt to set up a foreign throne on Ghanaian territory.

Public Backlash and Protests

The viral video led to protests in parts of Accra, with demonstrators carrying placards reading:
“No Foreign Thrones in Ghana”
“Protect Ghanaian Tradition”
“Ghana Is Not for Sale”

The Ningo Traditional Council publicly denied selling any land to Ihenetu or permitting any such project, warning that the narrative could incite ethnic and political unrest if not addressed quickly.

Government Response

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, invited Ihenetu for questioning. Following the meeting, the Nigerian national issued a public apology and clarified that:

The video is over a decade old and was taken out of context.

He never acquired land for the purpose of establishing a kingdom.

His presence in Ghana is strictly cultural and symbolic, with no political or territorial intentions.

Ablakwa emphasized Ghana’s commitment to peace, diversity, and Pan-African solidarity, but warned that any attempt to undermine Ghana’s sovereignty, land laws, or traditional authority will not be tolerated.

Quote from the Minister

“While Ghana welcomes all Africans, including our Igbo brothers and sisters, we must respect our Constitution and cultural integrity. No individual or group is permitted to establish parallel kingdoms or challenge our traditional system,” Ablakwa said.