The youth wing of the premier Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called for calm amid rising tensions over the recent installation of Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu as ‘Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana’—which means ‘King of the Igbo People in Ghana.’

This development has sparked protests and widespread public outcry across several areas in Ghana. Critics, including youth groups and cultural advocates, argue that appointing a foreign monarch could undermine Ghana’s sovereignty and its traditional chieftaincy institutions.

In a statement released on Thursday, the National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, emphasised that there is no need for alarm. He explained that the title of ‘Eze Ndi Igbo’ is simply a symbolic position meant to represent the unity and identity of Ndigbo in the diaspora. It does not threaten the sovereignty or customs of the host community.

Okwu clarified, “This is a title that functions as a rallying point for Ndigbo living abroad. It does not grant the authority of a traditional ruler within the host community. In many countries, Ndigbo have their own Ezes, who serve cultural and social roles, but not political authority. The purpose of this title is to foster unity, address common issues, and support the well-being of the Igbo community.”

In comparison to other cultural leaders, “Just as we have a President of the Ghanaian community in Lagos—whose identity I know in person—there are other traditional rulers such as the third Oba of Awka in anambra state, Alhaji Abdul Olahan, popularly called Ezechinedu, who is serving his people in Anambra State; Obe Makanju Akin, the Oba of the Yorubas in Rivers State; Auwal Baba Sa’idu Sulaiman, the fourth Emir of the Hausa Kingdom in Imo State; and Dr. Ogunyemi Odunayo Julius, who was elected President-General presiding over all Yoruba-speaking people in Imo State.

There’s also Alhaji Abdulazeez Adebayo, the Oba of the Yoruba people in Enugu State, and Kabiyesi of the Yoruba people in Onitsha, Anambra—Alhaji Abraham Zubairu—among many others.

Despite all these leaders, there are often no issues with Igbo communities and their visitors; they are living peacefully. Unfortunately, some individuals who haven’t left their villages are still online fighting against Igbo people, while the Igbo in the diaspora continue to build and contribute to their host communities, not minding that those in their states are not contributing—bigbos contributions in their host states, countries or villages  deserve to be appreciated not questioed .”

He added, “In Scenori, Chinese and Indians make money in their host country but receive their payment in their home countries. Yet, we have Igbos who deem it necessary to contribute to their host country. However, they are often misinterpreted.”

Okwu also praised Eze Ihenetu’s positive contributions, noting his active support for education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. “He has initiated scholarships and skills-building programs that benefit both Nigerian and Ghanaian youths, helping to foster a confident and self-reliant diaspora community,” he said.

Additionally, he highlighted Eze Ihenetu’s commitment to social causes—such as disaster relief, community health initiatives, and charity work—regardless of ethnicity or nationality. “He actively promotes Igbo culture through events like the annual New Yam Festival and works tirelessly to promote peace and unity between Nigerian and Ghanaian communities. His efforts in youth empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship are clear and commendable.”

Finally, Okwu urged Ghanaians to understand the purpose of the title and assured them that it does not threaten their traditions. “There’s no cause for concern. It’s simply a cultural and community position that celebrates the identity of Ndigbo living abroad,” he concluded.