Mass demonstrations have broken out across Ghana following the ceremonial installation of Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu as “Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana”, a move that has ignited national debate and fueled tensions over the role of foreign traditional institutions on Ghanaian soil.
Angry protesters stormed the streets of Accra, Koforidua, and other parts of the Eastern Region on Tuesday, brandishing placards with messages like “Ghana Has Only One King” and “No Thrones for Foreigners.” At the heart of the outrage is the belief that creating a parallel monarchy led by a Nigerian within Ghana’s borders undermines the country’s long-standing and deeply respected chieftaincy structure.
Public fury escalated after images of Eze Ihenetu’s opulent palace in Accra began circulating online. Modeled after traditional Igbo architecture, the palace has been described by critics as “a sovereign statement,” triggering concerns over potential cultural encroachment. The situation grew even more contentious after rumors surfaced that the Igbo monarch plans to establish a 50-acre “Igbo kingdom” in Old Ningo, allegedly acquired through communal land deals that have not been officially verified.
The backlash intensified after popular Ghanaian broadcaster Captain Smart was captured kneeling before Eze Ihenetu during a public event—footage that sparked a firestorm across Ghanaian social media, with critics describing the act as an insult to Ghana’s cultural dignity and sovereignty.
Civil society groups and traditional leaders are now calling on the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to issue a clear legal stance on whether foreigners can hold symbolic royal titles or wield influence over traditional affairs within Ghana. They argue that allowing the existence of such foreign titles could jeopardize the integrity of Ghana’s traditional governance system and create “unregulated cultural jurisdictions.”
Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu has responded to the uproar, insisting that his title is purely ceremonial, and meant to unite the Igbo diaspora community in Ghana. “We are not here to rule Ghanaians or interfere with their traditions. This throne exists to culturally protect and organize the Igbo community in a peaceful and respectful manner,” he stated during a press briefing.
Despite his assurances, national protests show no signs of slowing, with some youth groups threatening sustained civil actions unless the Ghanaian government acts swiftly to dissolve what they see as a “foreign throne on native land.”
