No Igbo King in Old Ningo – Ningo Traditional Council Issues Strong Rebuttal
Ningo Traditional Council Refutes Claims of Igbo King Installation in Old Ningo: Calls for Investigation and Respect for Customary Authority
The Ningo Traditional Council has strongly debunked recent media reports alleging the establishment of an Igbo kingdom and the installation of an “Igbo King” within the Old Ningo area. In a clear and firm statement, the Council dismissed the claims as baseless, unauthorized, and an affront to the long-standing customs and governance structure of the Ningo people.
This rebuttal was formally addressed in a letter to the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Haruna Mubarak, and was signed by the Paramount Chief of Ningo, His Royal Majesty Nene Osragbo Djangmah XII. The statement comes in response to what the Council describes as misleading narratives circulating in sections of the media, suggesting that a self-proclaimed monarch has established an independent kingdom in Old Ningo.
Ningo Chiefs Dismiss Igbo Kingdom Claims as False and Unauthorized
“Our attention has been drawn to recent media publications about the alleged establishment of a kingdom by a self-proclaimed King of the Igbos in Old Ningo within the Ningo Paramountcy,” the letter reads.
The Ningo Traditional Council categorically stated that no such authority or approval has been granted to any individual or group to establish a separate kingdom within their jurisdiction. According to the Council, such actions are completely out of step with the traditions, customs, and local governance systems that guide chieftaincy and land tenure in Ningo.
The Council emphasized that the entire Ningo Paramountcy remains under the sole and undisputed leadership of HRM Nene Osragbo Djangmah XII, and there are no provisions within their customary framework for the recognition of any parallel rulership on Ningo land.
“We wish to state unequivocally that the Ningo Paramountcy does not intend to have another ruler domiciled on our land,” the statement reiterated.
Emergency Meeting and Formal Petition to the Interior Minister
Following the alarming reports, the Ningo Traditional Council convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, to address the issue and formulate an official response. The outcome of that meeting was the dispatch of a strongly worded letter to the Interior Minister, appealing for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.
The Council urged government authorities to get to the bottom of the situation to prevent further confusion and to uphold respect for Ghana’s traditional institutions.
They further expressed disappointment that such sensitive developments were being allowed to gain traction without due diligence, and warned against what they see as a deliberate attempt to undermine the traditional structures that have existed for centuries.
Land Ownership Denied: No Sale or Transfer to Any Igbo Monarch
A key part of the statement also addressed land ownership claims. The Traditional Council noted that the five clans that hold land rights along the Tema-Aflao Road in the general Old Ningo area have not sold or transferred any land to the said Igbo King for the purpose of building or establishing a kingdom.
“The five (5) clans who own land along the Tema-Aflao Road in the general Old Ningo area have NOT sold any land to the said Igbo King to develop a Kingdom,” the statement clarified.
This denial directly contradicts any suggestion that the self-declared Igbo monarch has legal or traditional authority to operate or claim rulership within the Ningo Traditional Area.
Council Urges Calm, Unity, and Respect for Indigenous Customs
Despite the tension caused by the circulating reports, the Ningo Traditional Council called for calm and urged all residents—both indigenous people and settlers—to uphold peaceful coexistence. They advised against actions or utterances that could incite division or provoke conflict in the community.
The Council reminded all Ghanaians and immigrants alike that while Ningo has a long and proud history of welcoming people from various ethnic backgrounds, such goodwill should not be mistaken for weakness or an invitation to disrupt the traditional hierarchy.
“We reaffirm Ningo’s legacy of hospitality and inclusion. However, our openness must not be misused to undermine our traditional leadership or destabilize local governance structures,” the Council stated.
They reiterated that anyone residing within Ningo lands must respect the authority of the traditional leadership, follow due process, and engage respectfully with the customs and institutions that govern the area.
Safeguarding Traditional Leadership and National Stability
This incident has ignited broader concerns about the importance of safeguarding Ghana’s chieftaincy institutions and ensuring that emerging cultural or political interests do not infringe on established indigenous governance. The Ningo Traditional Council’s swift response signals a commitment to preserving cultural sovereignty while maintaining social harmony.
As Ghana continues to evolve as a multicultural nation, incidents like this highlight the delicate balance between inclusion and respect for traditional authority. The Council’s appeal to the Interior Minister signals its resolve to seek state support in preventing such conflicts and misunderstandings from spiraling into larger crises.
Conclusion: Upholding Order and Tradition in Ningo
The Ningo Traditional Council has made it clear: there is no recognized Igbo king within the Old Ningo area, and any such claim lacks the backing of the rightful custodians of the land. With calls for an investigation, reaffirmation of land ownership, and a plea for peaceful coexistence, the Council has taken a firm stance to protect the sanctity of its traditions.
As the Ministry of the Interior and other relevant state institutions take up the matter, the people of Ningo and all stakeholders await further clarification, hoping for a resolution that upholds the rule of law and the authority of Ghana’s traditional leadership systems.
