Known colloquially as the "Bridge Builder," his philosophy merges the hierarchy of the traditional Igbo court (from which he hails) with the servant-leadership model of the New Testament. His presence in Côte d’Ivoire signifies a pan-African vision—one where ethnic and linguistic barriers dissolve under the banner of spiritual renewal. 1. The Official Opening and Royal Blessing The Assembly kicked off at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan, where HRH Chijioke Mbanefo was received with full ceremonial honors. In a striking moment of cultural diplomacy, Ivorian traditional chiefs presented him with a symbolic Kente cloth and a Talking Drum , acknowledging his royal status across borders.
Responding to this during a press briefing, HRH Mbanefo was gracious but firm: “Does a king cease to be a king when he kneels at the Cross? No. He merely consecrates his crown. My royalty is not a distraction from the Gospel; it is the vehicle that delivers the Gospel to the gates of palaces that would otherwise remain closed.” The Assembly concluded with a lavish Soirée Royale at the Hotel Ivoire. Dressed in a flowing agbada of gold and ivory, HRH Chijioke Mbanefo read the Final Communiqué of the Côte d’Ivoire Zonal Assembly . HRH Chijioke Mbanefo - Cote d-Ivoire Zonal Assembly
Speaking exclusively to this correspondent, HRH Mbanefo offered his final reflection: “Africa is rising, but a rising Africa without the Cross is a tower of Babel waiting to fall. The Côte d’Ivoire Zone has shown that we can build a Kingdom structure that survives elections, coups, and currency devaluation. We are building for eternity.” The Assembly also observed a minute of silence for the late founding fathers of the Zone and for the victims of the recent Broto and Sikensi floods. About HRH Chijioke Mbanefo HRH Chijioke Mbanefo is a traditional Nigerian royal, a global revivalist, and the Zonal Superintendent overseeing the Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Togo districts. He holds a Doctorate in Divinity from the African Theological Consortium and is the author of “The Royal Priesthood.” Known colloquially as the "Bridge Builder," his philosophy