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Igbo King Snubbed at Manhyia—Handshake Denied During Asantehemaa Funeral

Posted by Afua Oppong Dansoa on September 19, 2025.
Igbo King Snubbed at Manhyia—Handshake Denied During Asantehemaa Funeral
  • Eze Chuckwudi Jude Ihenetu, the self-styled Igbo king in Ghana, attended the funeral of the late Asantehemaa at Manhyia Palace on September 17, 2025.
  • His entourage was instructed to remove their hats and pay homage from a distance, in line with Ashanti customs.
  • The group was not permitted to shake hands with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
  • Eze Ihenetu appeared visibly displeased, sparking viral reactions and mockery online.
  • Social media users interpreted the moment as a snub, with many referencing past controversies surrounding the Igbo king’s role in Ghana.
  • The incident has reignited debates about cultural protocol, traditional hierarchy, and the boundaries of symbolic leadership.

A diplomatic misstep at Manhyia Palace has placed Eze Chuckwudi Jude Ihenetu—the self-proclaimed Igbo king in Ghana—at the center of a cultural firestorm. The Nigerian-born leader, who has faced scrutiny over his attempts to establish a symbolic Igbo kingdom in Ghana, was captured in a viral video appearing visibly uncomfortable after being denied a handshake with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The incident occurred during the funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, where dignitaries and mourners gathered to pay their respects. Upon arrival, Eze Ihenetu and his entourage were directed by Otumfuo’s linguist, Baffour Kantankrakye, to remove their hats and observe traditional rites from a respectful distance—without direct contact with the monarch.

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While the gesture aligned with Ashanti customs, the moment quickly spiraled into online mockery. Social media users interpreted the lack of physical greeting as a deliberate snub, with some calling it a symbolic rejection of the Igbo king’s perceived overreach. Others defended the move, citing the sanctity of Ashanti royal protocol and the importance of preserving cultural boundaries.

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The backlash was amplified by Eze Ihenetu’s recent controversies, including his public statements about building an Igbo village in Ghana and his ceremonial appearances that have drawn mixed reactions from traditional authorities.

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As the dust settles, the incident has sparked broader conversations about the intersection of tradition, identity, and respect within Ghana’s multicultural landscape. For many, it was more than a missed handshake—it was a reminder that symbolic titles must navigate real cultural terrain.

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