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Local Chinese Businessman in Lagos Awarded Second Nigerian Chieftancy Title

by Eric Olander

For the second time in just three years, Chinese expatriate businessman Liu Zhiyong has been granted an honorary chieftaincy title in Nigeria’s Lagos state. Liu received his latest title last month from Chief Gbobaniyi (photo) for his contributions to the local economy and development in Lagos State. 

Although these titles are purely ceremonial, the optics of Chinese nationals being recognized in such a way by local chiefs in West Africa, mostly in Ghana and Nigeria, often sparks an angry response on social media from Africans and those in the diaspora who regard this kind of recognition as an inappropriate cultural intrusion.

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