Eze Igbo Ghana celebrates 12 years anniversary, opens up on Igbo culture in Ghana

The King of the Igbo community in Ghana, His Royal Majesty, Ambassador Chukwudi Ihenetu, has celebrated 12 years on the throne, marking over a decade of leadership dedicated to preserving and elevating Igbo culture and traditions.

In an interview, King Ihenetu reflected on the significance of the Diaspora kingship, which was established by the late Ikemba, Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, as a means of maintaining Igbo heritage abroad. He noted that one of the most visible expressions of this cultural preservation is the annual New Yam Festival, which has grown since its inception in 2010 into a vibrant celebration of African heritage from the Igbo perspective.

Despite the progress made, the King acknowledged that the full vision of the Diaspora throne has yet to be realized, expressing optimism that greater achievements lie ahead. He highlighted ongoing efforts to educate the Igbo community in Ghana about the importance of respecting the laws of their host country while maintaining their cultural identity.

Reflecting on the past, he recalled that about 13 years ago, Igbos in the Diaspora were often perceived negatively due to the actions of a few individuals who disregarded local laws. Over the past 12 years, however, he has worked diligently to change this narrative by instilling in his people the understanding that as foreigners, they must abide by the rules and regulations of their host nation. This, he noted, has significantly improved the image of the Igbo community in Ghana.

"One thing about education is that when you enlighten someone, they, in turn, pass that knowledge on to others. That’s why, as new people arrive, those already armed with this understanding are transferring it to them," he said.

The King emphasized that the Igbo community has fostered strong relationships with Ghanaians in areas such as tradition, culture, and governance. He stressed that their presence in Ghana is not to compete with local authorities or challenge the laws but rather to live peacefully and engage in commerce and trade.

"In the past, there were instances of conflicts between Ghanaians and Nigerians in markets and on the streets because some of our people did not fully grasp that they were guests in Ghana and needed to respect the local laws. Today, we have educated our people, and we have also made efforts to help our Ghanaian friends understand that we are here to contribute to the economy through legitimate business activities."

He called on Ghanaians, particularly those with reservations about Nigerians, to see them as brothers and sisters. He pointed out that the Igbo community has worked to ease tensions in markets by clarifying that their intention is not to dominate but to engage in fair trade, which ultimately benefits the Ghanaian economy.

"Business is about competition, but it should be in a healthy and cooperative manner. What I have in my store may not be the same as what you have, and we may source our goods differently—some buy from manufacturers, others from distributors. Naturally, the prices will vary. We must see ourselves as strategic partners working towards economic growth."

Highlighting Igbo culture, the King explained that it revolves around unity, love, and a strong sense of community, as demonstrated by their annual New Yam Festival. He described the Igbo tradition as one that fosters generosity and mutual support, with a long-standing practice of offering goods on credit to fellow Igbos and even Ghanaian business partners.

"We trust our brothers because we have structures in place—local government meetings, town unions, and town hall gatherings—to ensure accountability. This sense of community and responsibility is at the heart of Igbo culture."

He expressed gratitude to the people of Ghana for welcoming the Igbo community, emphasizing that their cultural presence is not meant to challenge Ghanaian traditions but rather to keep their sons and daughters connected to their roots. The introduction of Igbo culture in Ghana, he added, has strengthened their identity while fostering harmony with their hosts.