Weah’s Diplomatic Visit To Eze Igbo Ghana Strengthens Ties Among African Nations

In a significant gesture that underscores the enduring power of traditional diplomacy and pan-African fraternity, His Excellency George Weah, a former President of the Republic of Liberia, paid a solidarity courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, Eze-igbo Ghana.

The meeting, held in a spirit of mutual respect and camaraderie, transcended conventional politics, delving into the rich tapestry of African cultural heritage and spiritual fellowship.
According to Njoku Macdonald Obinna , Country Director on Media Strategy & Communications to the Igbo Diaspora King in Ghana, Eze Ihenetu, the visit served as a powerful reminder that leadership in Africa often operates on a dual plane: the modern,state-level governance and the ancient, culturally-grounded authority of traditional institutions. The convergence of these two spheres-a former head of state and a revered royal father-created a poignant narrative of unity and shared destiny.

At the heart of the meeting was the profound and symbolic tradition of the kolanut ceremony, a cornerstone of Igbo culture used to welcome esteemed guests and commune with the divine. Eze Ihenetu, in his role as both host and spiritual leader, performed the sacred rite of Iwaoji (kolanut blessing).

With deep reverence, he presented the kolanut, lifting prayers to the Almighty God to “put life into it”.

This act is far more than a formality, it is an invocation for the gathering to be blessed , fruitful and guided by divine Providence.The Diaspora monarch’s prayers were specifically directed towards his distinguished guest, asking for God’s blessings upon Mr. George Weah, for the visit to be a source of mutual benefit, and for the fulfilment of the former president’s heart desires, coupled with good health and long life.

Demonstrating a truly pan-African vision, Eze Ihenetu extended his prayers beyond the individuals present , calling upon God to bless the nations of Nigeria and Liberia, even the host country — Ghana, and indeed the entire African continent.This act positioned the meeting not as an isolated event, but as a microcosm of a larger aspiration for continental peace and prosperity.
The ceremony evolved into a meaningful cultural exchange. Following the prayers, a drink was offered to George Weah, which he accepted with joy and appreciation. The moment became a bride between two West African cultures as Mr Weah engaged his host in a brief discourse on the traditions of his own ancestral home, Sasa Village in Liberia .
He shared parallels, noting how in his community, similar gestures of of kolanut and drink are performed to honor guests and foster community bonds.This exchange highlighted a shared cultural lexicon across West Africa, where the principles of hospitality, respect for elders and communion through symbolic items form a common thread.

The climax of the ritual was deeply symbolic. A special kolanut, identified as the “oji Igbo was presented. Eze Ihenetu explained its significance “when the kola gets home, it speaks where it comes from” in accordance with Igbo tradition. One part of the broken kola is given to the guest to take home. This serves as a tangible testament and messenger, carrying the story of the warm reception and the blessings from the host’s household to the guest’s family.
After offering a final prayer, Eze Ihenetu presented this specially blessed kolanut to George Weah, a scared token meant to be shared with his family in Liberia, thereby eternally linking the two lineages in a bond of friendship and goodwill.