Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, the Nigerian national seen in a resurfaced viral video proclaiming plans to establish an “Igbo kingdom” in Ghana, has officially renounced the idea and issued a public apology.
In a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Ablakwa clarified that the controversial footage was taken during an interview recorded over a decade ago, in 2013, and does not reflect the man’s current beliefs or intentions.
“Izwe clarified that it was an old 2013 interview which he deeply regrets. He assured that he has long abandoned that idea and has not purchased any piece of land for that purpose,” the minister wrote, using Ihenetu’s nickname, Izwe.
According to Ablakwa, during a meeting held with Ghanaian authorities, Ihenetu expressed deep remorse and categorically disassociated himself from the views expressed in the video. He further issued what the minister described as an “unqualified apology” to the President of Ghana, the government, traditional rulers, and the Ghanaian people for any tension or concern the video may have caused.
The video, which recently went viral on social media, sparked backlash and fears of potential diplomatic strain between Ghana and Nigeria, as well as unease among local communities. In it, Ihenetu appeared to claim that he was working toward establishing a sovereign territory or cultural dominion in Ghana for the Igbo people—an idea that authorities in Ghana have deemed divisive and unlawful.
Minister Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s Pan-African ideals, highlighting the country’s longstanding commitment to peace, hospitality, and brotherhood with fellow African nations.
“Ghana is exceptionally proud of its celebrated friendly foreign policy, which is welcoming to all particularly our fellow Africans and those of African descent,” he noted.
However, he stressed that guests and residents alike must respect Ghana’s laws, cultural norms, and peaceful values, warning that any attempts to engage in provocative or destabilizing rhetoric would not be tolerated.
“We expect all our fellow Africans and guests to adhere to our peaceful and law-abiding traditions and desist from conduct or pronouncements considered unlawful, divisive, and incendiary,” he added.
In light of the incident, Ablakwa called for calm, restraint, and responsible public discourse, urging citizens and commentators on both sides to avoid stoking xenophobic sentiments or inflaming tensions between Ghanaians and Nigerians.
“Let us all, in the true spirit of African solidarity, guard our commentary so this matter does not degenerate into xenophobic consequences,” the minister concluded.
The statement has been widely welcomed by citizens and observers who had expressed concern over the viral video’s potential to incite misunderstanding or hostility between the two West African neighbours.
Post a Comment