The Palace of Eze Ndigbo, Nigeria, has broken its silence on recent public concerns over the status of Dr. Chukwudi Ihenetu, clarifying that his title as “Eze Ndigbo I of Ghana” was not self-proclaimed.
In a statement released this week, the palace explained that Dr. Ihenetu was nominated and officially installed by recognized kingmakers from Nigeria who traveled to Ghana for his coronation.
The clarification comes amidst ongoing national discussions about the appropriateness of the use of the term “king” within Ghana’s traditional framework.
The palace emphasized that “Eze” is an Igbo term meaning “king” or “monarch” within the Igbo traditional system and should not be confused with Ghana’s chieftaincy structures.
“It is crucial to understand that Dr. Chukwudi Ihenetu did not self-proclaim this title in Ghana,” the statement read.
“He was nominated and duly coronated by recognized kingmakers in Nigeria, in consultation with Igbo leaders in Ghana.”
It added that the community respects Ghanaian traditions deeply and has no intention of undermining any aspect of the country’s respected traditional authorities.
Having lived in Ghana for nearly three decades and being married to a Ghanaian, Dr. Ihenetu is described by the palace as a bridge between the Igbo and Ghanaian cultures.
The palace affirmed its commitment to Ghana’s laws, citing the Chieftaincy Act, and made clear that Dr. Ihenetu does not refer to himself as a “king” in the Ghanaian legal or cultural context.
Instead, his leadership role remains confined to the Igbo community and is rooted in cultural identity, not legal chieftaincy authority. The palace urged calm and mutual respect as it continues its work to support the peaceful coexistence of the Igbo community within Ghana.
Attached document is the full statement:
