Use of ‘King of Igbos’ title abolished in Ghana - Leader of Igbo community

The leader of the Igbo community in Ghana, Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, has announced the abolition of the title “King of the Igbos in Ghana,” saying the decision is part of broader efforts to promote unity, peace, and cultural respect among both Nigerians and Ghanaians.

He made the announcement during a press conference held on June 17, 2026, where he also outlined a shift in how Igbo diaspora leadership titles will be recognised going forward.

According to him, the decision follows a directive from the Southeast Traditional Ruler Council of Nigeria, which has formally abolished the use of the title “King of Igbos” by individuals residing outside Igbo land.

The council instead recommended that leaders of Igbo communities in the diaspora be referred to simply as “Igbo leaders” in the diaspora.

Ga Traditional Council disowns self-styled Igbo King in Ghana

“The Southeast Traditional Ruler Council of Nigeria has formally abolished the use of the title ‘King of Igbos’ by any person residing outside Igbo land.

“In its place, the council has directed that leaders of Igbo communities in the diaspora be addressed as ‘Igbo leaders’ in the diaspora. In full compliance with these directives, I, Dr Ambassador Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, hereby commit to their observance and have complied with them with immediate effect,” he said.

He explained that the change is intended to align diaspora leadership structures with traditional authority systems in Nigeria while also respecting the host country’s cultural and traditional institutions.

“This reflects both respect for the authority of the council and the traditional institutions in Ghana, as well as my dedication to fostering unity, peace, and cultural dignity among the Igbo people in Ghana and their host communities,” he said.

The leader of the Igbo community in Ghana also used the platform to address past controversies, offering an apology for any tensions or misunderstandings that may have arisen in 2025 involving his office and public statements made at the time.

“I wish to most sincerely apologise for any tension, concerns, misunderstandings, or inconveniences that the incident of 2025 may have caused to both Ghanaians and Nigerians. Peace and unity are too important to be threatened by controversy or misunderstanding,” he noted.

He further extended a specific apology to the Ga State, referencing remarks made by his public relations officer during the earlier incident. He said the comments did not reflect his personal values or his respect for local traditions.

“To the Ga State, I extend my deepest respect and sincere apology regarding the unfortunate remarks made by my public relations officer during that period. The words used did not reflect my personal values,” he said.

Dr Ihenetu added that he holds the Ga State in high regard and remains committed to maintaining respectful relations with traditional leaders and communities in Ghana.

The leader of the Igbo community in Ghana, Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, has abolished the use of the title “King of the Igbos in Ghana,” citing efforts to promote unity, peace, and cultural respect.

He also noted a directive from the Southeast Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria… pic.twitter.com/I9r50oMqLw

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) June 17, 2026

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