Nigerian actor and voice-over artist Segun Arinze has called on Nigerians living in Ghana to respect the country’s sovereignty and laws.
Speaking on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz with Doreen Avio and Kwame Dadzie on Thursday, 11 September 2025, Arinze cautioned against misconduct by foreigners in Ghana.
“When you go to somebody’s country, the onus lies with you to respect the sanctity of that sovereignty,” he said.
His comments were in response to recent controversy surrounding a Nigerian man reported to have plans of establishing an Igbo community in Ghana.
“I heard something last month about a Nigerian who wants to become an Igwe in Ghana. You leave your hometown in Nigeria, you come to Ghana and you want to become Igwe,” Arinze remarked.
“If I was around na hammer we for take hammer ein head,” he added.
A few months ago, Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, also known as Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana or Eze Ohazurume I of Ndigbo in Ghana, was reported to have acquired 50 acres of land in Old Ningo, Greater Accra Region, to build an “Igbo village” or “Igbo kingdom.” Reports suggested the project would include a palace, a 2,000-seat town hall, a 100-room guest house, a market, a school, streets named after Igbo figures, and a garden.
The Ga Traditional Council later clarified that it had never recognised Eze Ihenetu as a king within the Ga State and instructed him to stop presenting himself as such. Similarly, the Ningo Traditional Council denied selling land to him for any such project.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, also warned Eze Ihenetu to respect Ghanaian laws and refrain from divisive actions.
Following public backlash, Eze Ihenetu issued statements denying any land acquisition or plans to create an Igbo village or kingdom. He explained that the rumours stemmed from a 2013 interview, shortly after his 2012 coronation, in which he shared visions that were later shelved. The project was officially cancelled in 2014, and he apologised to Ghanaians for any misunderstandings caused.
Segun Arinze’s remarks underscore the importance of respecting the laws and cultural norms of host countries, especially for foreigners living or conducting activities abroad.
