The King of the Nigerian Igbo Community in Ghana, His Royal Majesty Eze, Dr. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu has said history was made on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, after he hosted two known survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 in his palace in Ghana’s capital, Accra.

The iconic figures, Viola Fletcher who is 107-years-old and her brother, Hughes Van Ellis who is 100-years-old requested to visit Africa where they believe they are originally from.

At the colour-filled ceremony, HRM Eze Ihenetu disclosed that the historic visit is a win for Nigerians in Diaspora adding that the visit of the centenarians is a blessing.

“This is a recognition for Nigerians in the diaspora. It’s not an easy thing for the American Embassy, American government to approve that such a state woman be crowned over here, in the palace of Nigerians,” HRM Eze Ihenetu said.

He continued: “This is for us, and that is why all of us are here today. So it is a blessing to each and every one of us. Not for me alone, but for everybody and our future to come.”

“It is our prayer that such recognition given to us today will never stop and that we go higher and higher, he added.
The famous centenarian, Mrs. Viola Floyd Fletcher, and her brother, Hughes Van Ellis, also known as “Uncle Red” were ordained as chiefs by the Igbo community in Ghana, one of the largest communities in the country.

At a plush, colour-filled ceremony at the palace of the Igbo king in Accra, the centenarians were treated to performances from various Nigerian groups in Ghana including the Yoruba Dancing Group, the Abia State Women, and the Igbo Masquerade Group.

Clad in native outfits, Mrs. Fletcher’s name will be prefixed with the title, Ebube Ndi Igbo, meaning the glory of Igbos, while Hughes Van Ellis Uncle Red will be known with the title, Ikeoha Ndi Igbo, meaning the strength of the Igbos.