A video circulating on social media has captured the moment popular Igbo community leader in Ghana, Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, was allegedly barred from meeting the Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace.
In the footage, Eze Ihenetu was stopped several meters away from the Asantehene and instructed to bow instead of shaking hands, unlike other chiefs who were allowed to exchange handshakes as they paid their respects. His subchief later followed suit in paying homage.
The incident comes weeks after Eze Ihenetu dominated headlines over a resurfaced 2013 video in which he spoke about establishing a business community for Igbos in Ghana. His remarks were widely misinterpreted as a declaration to create an Igbo kingdom, sparking outrage and calls for his dismissal.
The controversy was later resolved after Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, held a closed-door meeting with the Igbo leader. Minister Ablakwa clarified that the comments were from a decade-old interview and that the project had long been abandoned.
Mr. Ihenetu subsequently issued an unreserved apology to then-President John Mahama, the government, traditional authorities, and the people of Ghana for the unrest his comments generated.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to unity and peaceful coexistence, Minister Ablakwa stated: “Ghana is exceptionally proud of its celebrated, friendly foreign policy, which welcomes all to our beautiful and peaceful country, particularly Africans and people of African descent. We are determined to continue championing that Pan-African identity for which we have attained global renown.”
They didn’t allow the Igbo king to meet Otumfuo
— Beno SarkCess (@_BenopaOnyx1) September 17, 2025
He can only do that in Accra 🤣👌 pic.twitter.com/pE53gqpkfL
