A resurfaced 2013 video of Chukwudi Ihenetu, the self-proclaimed “Igbo King of Ghana,” has stirred online debates and a small street protest in Accra – but both Ghana and Nigeria are taking steps to prevent the issue from escalating.

In the old clip, Ihenetu spoke about plans to build an “Igbo village” in Ghana. While the idea was abandoned years ago, the video’s reappearance in 2025 spread quickly on online prompting heated exchanges and a protest of fewer than 50 people. Some demonstrators accused Nigerians of dominating trade and jobs, carrying placards that mixed national pride with hostility.

Online users voiced mixed reactions — some expressing concern over rising discrimination against Nigerians in Ghana, citing inflated rents, tighter business restrictions, and social hostility, while others called for calm and dialogue, reminding both sides of ECOWAS’ role in promoting free movement and regional unity.

President John Dramani Mahama moved swiftly to reassure Nigerians and the Nigerian government there would be no mass deportations, telling diplomats led by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu: “We are #ECOWAS members; our destinies are joined.”

Ihenetu has since apologised, explaining that the Igbo village project was shelved long ago. Still, Nigerian community leaders are urging vigilance. Some cultural events, such as the annual Iriji (Yam) Festival, have been postponed as a precaution, and police presence has been stepped up in Nigerian-dense areas like Kasoa, Nima, and Santa Maria.

For now, both governments are prioritising dialogue to maintain harmony. As a commentator said “We can’t let a decade-old clip undo decades of brotherhood.”