Captain Smart Hits Back at Critics, Brands Them Fools Over Igbo King Allegations
Ghanaian broadcaster, Captain Smart has broken his silence and strongly fired back at critics amid the controversy surrounding the installation of a Nigerian Igbo leader, Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu, as the “Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana” (King of the Igbo people in Ghana).
The backlash was mainly triggered by a viral video showing Captain Smart kneeling before the Igbo king during a public ceremony, which sparked heated debates and accusations from some Ghanaian citizens who oppose having a foreign monarch on Ghanaian soil.
Captain Smart’s defense comes in the context of mass protests by Ghanaians who see the Igbo king’s position as undermining Ghana’s sovereignty and traditional chieftaincy institutions.
Protesters carried placards stating “No Foreign Thrones in Ghana” and “Honour Our Heritage,” and expressed concern over alleged plans for a 50-acre “Igbo kingdom” at Old Ningo, which has been denied officially but added to suspicion.
In response, Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu and Captain Smart have emphasized that the role of the Igbo king is purely cultural and symbolic, aiming only to unify the Igbo community in Ghana without any political authority or territorial ambitions.
Despite this, the Ghana Traditional Council has officially disassociated itself from the Igbo king and directed that cultural activities and festivals organized by him be ceased, reaffirming that only registered traditional leaders are recognized within Ghana.
Captain Smart, at the center of the controversy, has faced criticism and backlash but stands by his association with the Igbo king, clarifying his position and addressing the public. He has apologized for any distress caused but reaffirmed his stance, highlighting the cultural significance rather than political implications of the Igbo king’s title in Ghana.
Captain Smart has defended his involvement and the legitimacy of the Igbo king’s cultural role while confronting critics who view the situation as an infringement on Ghanaian chieftaincy heritage. The matter remains sensitive with national traditional authorities opposing the recognition of a foreign king on Ghanaian territory
