The Eze Ndígbo clarifies misconceptions about his role, addresses online controversies, Igbo village plans, and challenges facing Igbo traders in Ghana.
Accra, Ghana – The Eze Ndígbo in Ghana has set the record straight on his role, clarifying that he is not a king but a cultural leader dedicated to uniting the Igbo diaspora and preserving their traditions.
Eze Ndígbo: A Cultural Leader, Not a King: During a visit from Nigerian social crusader Martin Vincent, also known as Verydarkman (VDM) to his residence, the Eze explained that the title “Eze Ndígbo” exists solely to maintain Igbo cultural heritage in Ghana.
“Our Ghanaian hosts understand this very well, and that is why we are living peacefully here,” he said.
He revealed that the institution of Eze Ndígbo has existed in Ghana for over 30 years, and his tenure, which began with an election in 2013, has been the target of online misinformation.
“The Yoruba in Ghana have their Oba. Other communities, including Moroccans and Chinese, also have their cultural leaders. Igbo people having an Eze Ndígbo is not strange or threatening to anybody,” he added.
Igbo Village Project in Ghana: Addressing the viral video of an “Igbo village” in Ghana, the Eze said the project started in 2013 but was halted due to land disputes. The initiative aimed to develop a cultural hub with schools, shopping centers, and community facilities—similar to Ghana’s Chinatown.
“If we had succeeded, it would have been a place of pride, not a kingdom inside another man’s country,” he clarified.
Personal Home, Not a Palace: The building often referred to as his “palace” is actually his personal residence, built before he assumed the role of Eze Ndígbo. “I built it because God blessed me as a businessman. Later, I was chosen as Eze Ndígbo, but that doesn’t make me a king,” he explained.
Relationship with Nigerian Monarchs: The Eze emphasized respect for Nigerian kings, including the Ooni of Ife: “When the Ooni of Ife or any other Nigerian king visits, I step down from this seat and they take over. I become their subject, because I am not a king. I don’t even parade myself as a king when I travel to Nigeria.”
Challenges for Igbo Traders in Ghana: He also addressed the issue of locked Igbo-owned shops, explaining that Ghana’s trade laws restrict foreigners from retail trading. Many Igbo traders faced difficulties because local buyers often refused to pay upfront. “I have been meeting with authorities, and things are already getting better,” he said.
Mission: Preserve Igbo Culture – The Eze concluded by reiterating his mission to preserve Igbo culture, unite the diaspora, and maintain peaceful relations with Ghanaian hosts.
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