Self-styled Igbo King disgraced by Ghana’s ancient King

Self-style Igbo King whose action spurred uprising in Ghana has been disgraced again by Ghana-s top ancient King

Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, the self-proclaimed “Igbo king” in Ghana, was denied a precious handshake with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, a prominent King in Ghana.

The incidence happened during the funeral of Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

It was on September 17, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Ghana, where Eze Ihenetu and his entourage had arrived to pay their respects.

According to traditional protocol, Eze Ihenetu and his group were directed by Otumfuo’s linguist, Baffour Kantankrakye, to remove their hats and offer condolences from a distance without shaking hands.

Eze Ihenetu appeared visibly displeased with the arrangement, which has sparked a wave of reactions on social media.

“I still don’t understand why they didn’t allow the Igbo king to send his condolences to Asantehene,” one user questioned. Others mocked the self-proclaimed king, with comments like

“The Igbo King chop bounce for Kumasi” and “Otumfuo bounced the Igbo king”.

Some users defended the move, citing the importance of preserving cultural boundaries and traditional protocol.

The incident has reignited discussions about cultural protocol, traditional hierarchy, and the boundaries of symbolic leadership.

Eze Ihenetu has been a controversial figure in Ghana, having previously sparked debate over his attempts to establish a symbolic Igbo kingdom in the country.

“He thought Kumasi was some place he could just mention,” one user joked, while another said, “Dey told ibo king in Ghana to remove his crown and bow, dem no sabi am.

“He wanted to greet the Asante King, dey bounced am like Peter Obi”.

The controversy highlights the complexities of cultural protocol and traditional hierarchy in Ghana.

The Manhyia Palace has not officially commented on the incident, but sources close to the palace have hinted that the situation is being blown out of proportion and that no deliberate act of disrespect was intended.

The incident has raised a broader conversation about the intersection of tradition, identity, and respect within Ghana’s multicultural landscape.