Chief Callistus Eluzieuwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana, has issued a forceful rebuttal against widespread media reports alleging the acquisition of a 50-acre land parcel at Ningo by HRM Eze Dr. Amb Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ghana.
Speaking directly to the Ghanaian public and authorities, Chief Eluzieuwa labelled the reports as false, dangerous, and threatening the longstanding harmony between Nigerians and their Ghanaian hosts.
NIDO CHAIRMAN: “No Igbo Kingdom In Ghana” – Eluzieuwa Debunks Ningo La d Rumours, Urges Media Restraints
In a comprehensive media engagement, Chief Eluzieuwa began by expressing profound gratitude on behalf of Nigerians living in Ghana:
“We want to thank the government and people of Ghana for the hospitality, for allowing us to live in their country… We want to thank the President of Ghana, the traditional rulers of Ghana, the opinion leaders in Ghana, the citizens of Ghana… for the security of Nigerians in Ghana,” Eluzieuwa stated, emphasising the deep appreciation for the cordial Nigeria-Ghana relationship nurtured over generations. “It will not end in our own time.”
He then addressed the core issue head-on, framing the circulation of the land acquisition story as a misuse of communication tools:
“I personally want to grant this interview because I want to draw attention to certain things. One is the power of communication… It can destroy a nation,” he cautioned, directly advising Nigerians: “Please, every Nigerian should desist from any media war. We are not at war with our brothers and sisters, Ghanaians. What you need to do is to put the facts the way they are. Ghanaians are reasonable people. They will know the truth when the truth is spoken.”
Categorical Denial and Clarification
Chief Eluzieuwa delivered a clear and unambiguous denial of the central allegation:
“The truth is that the Igbos are not building any Kingdom anywhere. The Igbos have not bought any land in any part of Ghana to build a Kingdom. The Igbos do not have any intention to build a Kingdom. The Igbos will not support anybody intending to build any kingdom. He cannot build any kingdom in another kingdom.”
He attributed the controversy to a manipulated video clip:
“People were talking about the viral video that went wrong. That video that went wrong was a pronouncement made 12 years ago, and somebody intentionally brought that video out to cause confusion. If you go and listen to that video, he said, an Igbo village. He never said an gbo kingdom.. What he said was Igbo village.”
Chief Eluzieuwa stressed the fundamental respect Nigerians hold for Ghanaian sovereignty and traditional institutions:
“We are not here in Ghana to disrespect the institutions, the traditional institutions. It will be abnormal for any Nigerian to think you can live peacefully in Ghana and you think you can disrespect the people of Ghana, the culture of Ghana, the customs of Ghana, and the Government of Ghana. We must make sure we gather people to live lawfully in the land of Ghana… We see any Nigerian who is doing anything that is not right. It’s important we draw the attention of Ghanaian authority.”
Condemning Sensationalism, Advocating Due Diligence
The NIDO Chairman strongly criticised those spreading the rumours, accusing them of profiting from falsehoods and failing basic journalistic checks:
“I know a lot of people are cashing out. They’re making money by lying. It will also not be fair for you to destroy another person because you want to make money for yourself. If the person who sent this blogging out had done the right thing by going to Ningo Prampram to ask the Chiefs there whether there is anything like that, the chiefs would have given them the answer just like the publication they made yesterday. They made it clear that no land has been acquired, no kingdom has been built or is being built.”
Addressing Cultural Festivals and Path Forward
Eluzieuwa also clarified the purpose of Igbo cultural events like the New Yam Festival, stating they are purely religious and thanksgiving celebrations conducted with the prior knowledge and blessings of Ghanaian traditional authorities. He emphasised they hold no political or territorial implications.
Regarding a recent press release from Ghanaian traditional authorities on the matter, Eluzieuwa stated NIDO and the Eze Ndigbo would engage privately and respectfully:
“We have received it… We respect him. We have a good relationship with Him. We are going to meet with him as a father… We are going to discuss… We don’t want it to be a media issue… It is not for the consumption of the media.”
Final Plea for Peace
Chief Eluzieuwa concluded with a heartfelt plea for continued peaceful coexistence, reminding all parties of the deep familial and economic ties binding the communities:
“We want to maintain [peace] at all costs… We have a wonderful relationship… We marry Ghanaians. They marry our own people… Ghana will not allow some people to come and destroy the relationship we have had.”
On his part, Nana Kojo Acqua Gyan, Mpuntuhene of Biriwa in the Central Region who doubles as an in-law of Eze Ndigbo, stated emphatically that the Ga
Traditional Council recognises HRM Eze Dr. Amb Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, as the Eze Ndigbo of Ghana.
Speaking further and on behalf of the Chiefs and people of Biriwa, Nana Gyan disclosed that Eze Ndigbo has undertaken numerous developmental projects such as schools, toilet facilities as well as spearheaded a campaign against drug abuse by the youth.
“We have been following the activities of Eze Ndigbo in the country and can attest to the fact that he means no harm but rather, poised to help the underprivileged in society” Nana Gyan added.
He quickly debunked the assertion of the traditional leader, thus; Eze Ndigbo being a self-acclaimed King, saying; “he is fully recognised as the King of Igbos in the Ghanaian community”
Nana Gyan who doubles as the Spokesperson for the Biriwa Traditional Council affirmed that Eze Ndigbo in a strong believer in Tradition and culture and will do everything to preserve them.
He seized the opportunity to admonish the media and bloggers in particular to fact-check every information before they publicise it. This according to him will curtail misinformation.
Background: NIDO Ghana is the officially recognised umbrella body representing the interests of Nigerians residing in Ghana, working closely with the Nigerian High Commission and Ghanaian authorities to foster integration and address community concerns.
The allegations regarding the Ningo land acquisition had sparked significant online debate and concern in recent weeks.
By Kingsley Asiedu
