Ezendigbo in Ghana Breaks Silence on Land Acquisition Allegations – Igbo Community Rallies Behind Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu

Ezendigbo in Ghana Breaks Silence on Land Acquisition Allegations – Igbo Community Rallies Behind Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu

The leadership of the Igbo Community in Ghana has issued a strong rebuttal to what it calls a “calculated and mischievous” campaign to malign the reputation of their traditional leader, Eze (Chief) Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, over allegations of land acquisition and attempts to establish an "Igbo Kingdom" in Ghana.

In a press release signed by prominent members of the community, the Igbos in Ghana say they are “shocked and dismayed” at recent reports circulated by bloggers, some media personalities, and social media commentators accusing their revered leader of purchasing large tracts of land in Ningo to create an autonomous Igbo enclave.

“These accusations are completely baseless and unmerited. Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu was duly and democratically elected by the Igbo community in Ghana in 2013 and has served with distinction and humility since then,” the statement read.

Clarifying the Land Issue

Responding directly to the claims about the acquisition of 50 acres of land in Ningo, the statement clarified that while discussions had taken place following Eze Ihenetu’s coronation in 2012, the proposed project was abandoned in 2014 due to disputes over rightful land ownership.

“As of today, there is no land in Ghana earmarked for the development of an Igbo Village. The referenced interview from 2013 has been taken out of context by bloggers with clear agendas,” the community emphasized.

A Legacy of Peace, Culture, and Integration

The Igbo Community credited Eze Ihenetu with fostering peaceful coexistence and cultural preservation among Igbos living in Ghana. Since his election, they have celebrated the New Yam Festival for twelve consecutive years—an event that attracts dignitaries and tourists from around the world, contributing to Ghana’s cultural tourism and hospitality sector.

Under his stewardship, the Igbo community has grown increasingly law-abiding and integrated, with Eze Ihenetu often touring the country to urge Igbos to respect Ghana’s laws and customs.

“He is not only a cultural leader but a peace ambassador,” the statement noted, highlighting that Eze Ihenetu, a resident of Ghana since 1995, is married to a Ghanaian woman of high repute from the Central Region.

Not a Threat to Ghanaian Traditions

The community was unequivocal in stating that neither the Eze nor the Igbo people harbor any ambitions to usurp Ghanaian chieftaincy or cultural institutions. “We are not here to struggle for land, kingship, or tradition with our host communities,” the release affirmed. “Our only aim is to pass on the Igbo culture, language, and identity to our children and families born and raised in Ghana.”

A Call for Calm and Clarity

The community concluded by urging the Ghanaian public, traditional rulers, and state institutions to disregard the "false and inflammatory" narratives being peddled online, reiterating their commitment to the sovereignty, peace, and progress of Ghana.

“We have come to stay and contribute positively to the Ghanaian economy and society. We remain forever loyal to the Ghanaian government and its people,” the statement declared.

Background

Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu was elected Ezendigbo na Ghana in 2013 after winning 97% of votes in a competitive election. Since then, he has been the face of Igbo cultural diplomacy in Ghana, attracting goodwill, partnerships, and recognition both locally and internationally.

His leadership has been hailed by many as instrumental in promoting African unity, intercultural respect, and peaceful coexistence between Nigerians and Ghanaians.