In a unfolding saga that has gripped Ghana, Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, the self-styled Igbo King in Ghana, has issued a heartfelt plea to the nation’s youth, urging them to reject what he describes as incitement by an individual named Cyrus.
This call for peace comes in the wake of a heated controversy sparked by a resurfaced 2013 video where Ihenetu discussed plans to acquire 50 acres of land in Old Ningo to establish an “Igbo village.” The proposed project, intended to include Igbo schools, a market, a palace, and a 2,000-seater auditorium, has been perceived by some Ghanaians as an attempt to create a parallel kingdom, raising alarms about national sovereignty and cultural encroachment.
VIDEO: The Igbo King in Ghana Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu’s Message to Ghanaians
The controversy intensified when the Ga Traditional Council, led by King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, issued a stern order on July 9, 2025, disassociating itself from Ihenetu’s activities and directing him to cease presenting himself as a king within the Ga State. The Council emphasized that Ghana’s chieftaincy system, governed by strict statutes and the National Register of Chiefs, does not recognize foreign monarchs. Protests erupted in Accra and the Eastern Region, with Ghanaian youth carrying placards reading “No Foreign Thrones in Ghana” and “Honor Our Heritage,” reflecting widespread concerns over the perceived threat to Ghana’s traditional institutions. The viral spread of a video showing Ghanaian broadcaster Captain Smart kneeling before Ihenetu further fueled public outrage, amplifying debates on social media.
Background to the The Igbo King in Ghana, King Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu
Ihenetu, who has resided in Ghana since 1995 and is married to a Fante woman with whom he has five children, has sought to clarify his intentions. In a press conference on July 18, 2025, he explained that the Igbo village plan, discussed in a 2013 interview, was abandoned in 2014 due to land litigation issues in Ningo-Prampram. He categorically denied current plans to acquire land or establish an Igbo kingdom, emphasizing his respect for Ghanaian laws and customs. Ihenetu’s statement followed a meeting with Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on July 16, 2025, where he apologized to the President, government, chiefs, and people of Ghana for the unrest caused by the resurfaced video.
The Igbo leader’s recent remarks specifically address an individual named Cyrus, whom Ihenetu accuses of inciting Ghanaian youth to destroy Nigerian-owned properties. While details about Cyrus remain unclear, Ihenetu’s plea underscores his concern over escalating tensions that could harm the longstanding Ghana-Nigeria relationship. He urged Ghanaians not to generalize Nigerians based on the actions of a few, invoking the proverb, “Every home has a Mensah,” to highlight that bad behavior is universal. This message aims to quell fears and prevent xenophobic backlash, aligning with calls from Ghanaian authorities for calm and restraint to preserve African solidarity.
The controversy has also drawn responses from other stakeholders. The South East Council of Traditional Rulers (SECTR) in Nigeria, in a letter dated July 16, 2025, clarified that the “Ezeigbo” title is not exportable to foreign lands, advocating for the use of “Onyendu Igbo” for diaspora leaders. Some Igbo community members in Ghana have distanced themselves from Ihenetu’s plans, reinforcing that no land has been acquired for an Igbo village. Meanwhile, Ihenetu’s Ghanaian wife, Nanahemaa Ekua Tsetsewa I, defended him, dismissing allegations as lies and warning that calls for deportation could deter foreign investment in Ghana.
Public sentiment, particularly among Ghanaian youth, remains divided. While some view Ihenetu’s actions as a cultural overreach, others see his role as a ceremonial effort to unite the Igbo diaspora, akin to cultural communities like Chinatown abroad. Social media reactions range from calls for deportation to defenses of Ihenetu’s integration into Ghanaian society, with one UK-based Nigerian likening the Igbo village concept to global cultural hubs. However, unverified claims, such as a viral video falsely linked to protests against Ihenetu, have complicated the narrative, highlighting the role of misinformation in fueling tensions.
As the debate continues, Ihenetu’s message to Ghanaian youth emphasizes peace and mutual respect, seeking to mend ties strained by the controversy. The Ghanaian government, through Minister Ablakwa, has reiterated its commitment to a friendly foreign policy while urging all parties to adhere to local laws. For the latest updates on this trending Ghana-Nigeria issue and other cultural controversies, subscribe to Ghana Trends Media for in-depth coverage. This unfolding story underscores the delicate balance between cultural preservation and national sovereignty in a globalized Africa, with the keyword Igbo King Ghana controversy likely to drive ongoing discussions.
