Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that the governments of Ghana and Nigeria are actively collaborating to defuse concerns surrounding rumors of an “Igbo Kingdom” being established in Ghana.
The controversy originated from a viral video in which a Nigerian national—identified as Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, who is regarded in some circles as an Igbo “king”—appeared to be planning to create a kingdom in Ningo‑Prampram using approximately 50 acres of land. The footage sparked widespread public anxiety and unrest.
Minister Ablakwa clarified that the video dated back to an interview from 2013, and the individual involved has since expressed remorse, retracting the notion and apologizing formally to the President, government, traditional authorities, and people of Ghana
In light of the public alarm, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister summoned Ihenetu for a meeting on July 16, 2025, during which he reaffirmed that he had abandoned the idea, had not bought land for such a purpose, and deeply regretted the incident.
A high‑level meeting was also held in Accra with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu, to discuss diplomatic implications and reinforce both nations’ dedication to maintaining peace and cooperation.
Ambassador Ojukwu praised the peaceful coexistence she witnessed in Ghana, despite the video’s inflammatory nature, and thanked Ghana’s leadership and traditional institutions for managing the situation calmly.
Ablakwa condemned the remarks in the video and emphasized that Ghana welcomes all residents—Ghanaian or foreign—but insists they respect national laws and cultural values. He warned against any conduct that could threaten public order or unity, invoking past episodes like the Aliens Compliance Order (1969) and the “Ghana Must Go” expulsions (1983) to underline the importance of upholding bilateral harmony.
Both governments committed to strengthening local-level dialogue, reviving mechanisms such as the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, and encouraging responsible use of social media to avoid misinformation-driven conflicts.
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