The installation of a Nigerian traditional leader, Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu, as ‘Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana’ (King of the Igbo People in Ghana) has triggered wave of protests and heated public discourse across Ghana
The uproar, spearheaded by youth organisations in Accra and the Eastern Region, intensified after inuaguaration video and pictures circulated online showing Eze Ihenetu’s grand palace in Accra, adorned with regal symbols and elaborate architecture.
The developmen has drawn criticism by cultural advocates and protesters who say the presence of a foreign monarch undermines Ghana’s sovereignty and traditional chieftaincy institutions.
Protesters in Accra and parts of the Eastern Region were seen carrying placards with messages such as ‘No Foreign Thrones in Ghana’ and ‘Honour Our Heritage’.
Their concerns were amplified after photos of Eze Ihenetu’s elaborate palace in Accra surfaced online, featuring regal emblems and traditional architecture.
Reports stated that the title of ‘Eze Ndi Igbo’ is commonly used within Igbo communities abroad as a symbolic cultural institution.
However, critics in Ghana argue that the creation of such thrones by foreigners could set a precedent for parallel leadership structures within the country.
There have also been unconfirmed reports that the Igbo leader is planning to establish a 50-acre ‘Igbo kingdom’ in Old Ningo, further fuelling suspicion among some Ghanaians.
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Alleged land acquisitions by the Igbo community have added to these concerns, although no official evidence has been provided.
Public reactions intensified following the circulation of a video showing Ghanaian broadcaster Captain Smart kneeling before Eze Ihenetu during a public ceremony. The footage, which has gone viral, has sparked heated debate on social media.
Some citizens are calling on the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to intervene and clarify whether Ghanaian laws permit foreigners to hold royal titles on Ghanaian soil.
In response to the controversy, Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu has defended his position, stating that the role is ceremonial and meant solely to unify the Igbo community in Ghana.
“The throne of the Diasporan Igbo in Ghana is meant to protect, defend and project the Igbo people and Nigerians as a whole. We have no political authority or territorial ambitions in Ghana. This is purely cultural,” he said in a recent interview.