Self-Proclaimed Igbo King Commands Attention With Grand Entrance at Asantehemaa’s Funeral Rites
- Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, the self-acclaimed Igbo King, made a grand entrance at Asantehemaa’s funeral rites
- The Igbo community, led by the Igbo King, was warmly received at the Manhyia Palace during the funeral event
- Ghanaians gave mixed reactions, with some expressing concerns about Ihenetu's presence and intentions in Ghana
A video has captured the self-acclaimed Igbo King in Ghana, real name Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, attending the funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
Source: TikTok
The controversial Nigerian made a grand entrance at the Manhyia Palace to pay homage to the late Queen Mother. He arrived with his Igbo community.
The Igbo community is said to represent a particular sect of Nigerians (the Igbos) in Ghana. Their arrival was spectacular as they were welcomed by some paparazzi at the entrance.
They could be recognised with their distinct attire of the Ibo tribe: patterned Isiagu shirt, neck and wrist beads, and plain black overalls. The Igbo King was walking in the midst of his brethren with his walking stick, black glass shades and black trousers.
In the background, music filled the air with each step they took. Chukwudi Jude's self-proclamation as a king has been met with mixed reactions, and he has faced scrutiny from both Ghanaian authorities and the public.
He has been making headlines after he disclosed his plans to build an Igbo village in Ghana.
Watch the video of his arrival at the Manhyia Palace below:
Funeral rites: Asantehene arrives at Manhyia Palace
In a similar event, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made a majestic entrance at Manhyia Palace to participate in the final funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The revered monarch was carried on a palanquin under a grand red and gold canopy, symbolising the richness of Ashanti culture, while traditional drums and chants echoed through the palace grounds.
Dressed in black royal attire and surrounded by regalia, his arrival captivated mourners and dignitaries gathered for the four-day Dote Yie ceremony, held from September 15, 2025.
Source: Instagram
The "Dote Yie" ceremony, meaning "lying in state," is an important part of the funeral rites for a royal figure in the Ashanti Kingdom. For this ceremony to be carried out, the body of the deceased is displayed for the public eye, accompanied by cultural rituals and performances.
Asantehemaa Funeral: Reactions to Igbo King's arrival
YEN.com.gh collected reactions from Ghanaians who watched the video on TikTok. Some of the comments are below.
Lioness Brother wrote:
"We Ghanaians, if we don't stand up now, one day we will regret looking at this."
GreatBen4prosperity said:
"Handsome+ Money+ Education and wealth can bring jealousy."
Adu Isaac commented:
"He was not invited, and he can use his money to buy only Accra people."
Ataquah commented:
"Wow, I love this.🥰 But they shouldn't establish a kingdom oooo. 😂😂😂"
Official Dennis Dake wrote:
"What are the security officials doing? The President? Minister of Foreign Affairs?"
Asantehemaa funeral rites: Little priest performs ritual
YEN.com.gh had earlier reported that an adorable moment captured between Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and a young priest during Asantehemaa's funeral had gone viral.
The little traditional priest boldly ushered the bereaved Asantehene through an age-old spiritual ritual.
Scores of Ghanaians drooled over the moment as they tried to deconstruct the importance of the little boy's actions.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
