Ohanaeze Crisis: One Body 3 Presidents-General

BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU

Historically, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an apex body of Igbo socio-cultural associations was founded in 1976 to provide a common platform for Ndigbo both home and in Diaspora.

The founding fathers of the pan-igbo group were: Dr. Michael Okpara, Chief Dennis Osadebe, Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe, Chief M.I. Ugochukwu, Dr. Pius Okigbo, Chief Jerome Udoji (the first Secretary-General), Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Dr. Anagha Ezikpe, Sir Onyeso Nwachukwu, Chief Bob Ogbuagu and Dr. Akanu Ibiam.

While the first chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was Dr Ibiam (in whose residence in Enugu the first meeting was held) the pioneer Secretary was Chief Udoji.

Reports had it that the idea behind the formation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo by the founding fathers was to bring together Nigerians of Igbo extractions within and outside the shore of the country for the purpose of nurturing better understanding and harmonious relations amongst themselves, with other ethnic groups in Nigeria, and with all communities wherever they reside.

As it is, the questions are: has Ohanaeze Ndigbo been serving as a clearing house and a focal point of direction and collective leadership in matters affecting the interest of Ndigbo in Nigeria and the rest of the world as envisaged by the founding fathers?

Has peace and fraternal love with all, especially our Nigerian compatriots been a cardinal goal of Ohanaeze?

The aforementioned questions became imperative following the ugly development that had hither-to engulf Ohanaeze Ndigbo for decades.

Investigation by Daily News Nigeria reporter revealed that the leadership crisis is not strange to the Igbo group as it was the quest to hang on to power and the politicization of the group that erupted in what political watchers regard as an unresolved crisis in Ohaneze Ndigbo during the era of Professor Joe Irukwu from Abia State.

Prior to the election of Professor George Obiozor (now of blessed memory), two factions laid claim to the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

A faction led by Chief Obiozor inherited by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who like his immediate-predecessor, died in office and that of Engineer Chidi Ibe group struggled for supremacy.

Ibe had a parallel office opposite the Akanu-Ibiam International Airport, Enugu as its operational office.

Further checks show that both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are believed to be the external factors fueling the rumpus in the Ohanaeze as both parties would want to have a strong backing from the pan-Igbo group especially in 2027 presidential election.

Late renowned Constitutional Lawyer, Professor Ben Nwabueze and other egg-heads in the union, perhaps, had envisaged the succession crisis when they enshrined in the Ohanaeze consitution that executive offices are to be rotated among the member states in alphabetical sequence.

Recall that Professor Nwabueze was Secretary-General while Justice Eze Ozobu from Enugu State was the President-General when the tenure of Ohanaeze executive which was a two-year term was hotly debated before it was fixed constitutionally for a terminal three year term.

It could also be recalled that in the arrangement that followed Justice Ozobu, Abia State had the first slot with Professor Irukwu (now late) as the President-General. Thereafter, it shifted to Anambra, with the late Dr. Dozie Ikedife, picking the leadership ticket. The late Ambassador Raph Uwechue from Delta State took over the leadership, but later vacated the position for Ebonyi State’s Chief Gary Igariwe.

Surprisingly, with Chief John Nwodo’s exit as the President-General of the pan-Igbo group, peace has continued to elude the union despite the fact that office of President-General was moved to Imo State as enshrined in the group’s constitution.

Inside source told Daily News Nigeria that the current ripples started when Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State allegedly endorsed Professor Obiozor but rejected by others on the ground that the constitution of the Ohanaeze does not recognize anointment.

How Professor Obiozor, Chief Iwuanyanwu and Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu emerged as the Ohanaeze Presidents-General at different stages is now history but suffice it to say that the fresh imbroglio in the apex umbrella of Igbo socio-cultural associations is the claim by three Rivers State of Igbo extractions that they are the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro who was said to have been favoured by some power brokers bowed to pressure, withdrawing from the race few hours to the January 10 election.

Even before the ex-police boss announced his withdrawal, there were mixed rections as to his eligibility for the election following the controversy surrounding his state of origin. Already, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had kicked against his ambition, alleging that it was an imposition on the South East by certain “cabals running Nigeria.”

Curiously, none of the three persons namely; Uche Nnam Okwukwu, Senator John Azuta-Mbata and Dr Jackson Omanazu held their elections at 7, Parks Avenue, Enugu, the national secretariat of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, suggesting that the union has been hijacked by polticians.

There are five governors in the zone belonging to four political parties. Two of them are of the APC, (Imo and Ebonyi States), PDP has one in Enugu, Labour Party has one in Abia State while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is in control of Anambra State.

As it is, many believe there is confusion in the Igbo body as to who is the authentic President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Firstly, Dr. Jackson Omenazu emerged as the new ‘President-General’ of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body.

The faction of the Ohanaeze contend it was a historic moment for the Igbo of Rivers State, as it was the first time since the end of the Biafra war 55 years ago that an indigenous Igbo from the region appointed to this leadership position.

A statement issued last Monday by the Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo 2025 Election Committee, alongside the Secretary of the Committee, Prof. Chibuikeya Achokawa, confirmed the election of the new National Executive Council (NEC).

Omenazu, from Rivers State, was appointed alongside other key figures including Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who became the Deputy President-General, and several others who also emerged unopposed.

In his acceptance speech, Omenazu highlighted the significance of his victory as a reversal of long-standing historical injustices faced by the Igbo of Rivers State.

He also emphasized a break from political manipulation, with a vow to safeguard Ohanaeze Ndigbo from being used as a tool by political elites for narrow personal gains.

“It is a historical event as all injustices meted against the indigenous Igbo of Rivers State have been reversed.

“The selection of an indigenous Igbo from Rivers State as President General is not merely a token representation. It is a bold declaration that we have reclaimed our identity and rectified the historical injustices that have plagued us for generations.

“The era of using our revered organization as a pawn in the political chess game is over.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is reaffirmed as the apex socio-cultural organization representing the entirety of the Igbo people, our focus shall pivot decisively toward issues that directly benefit our communities and enhance our collective progress.”

The second election wae that of an activist lawyer from Rivers State, Uche Nnam Okwukwucwho emerged as the President General of Ohanaeze in a convention in Port-Harcourt.

The General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo according to a statement by the returning officer, Dr. Achi Achi, said the new President General, Okwukwu, was returned unopposed at the the convention, which began on Thursday and is expected to end on Friday.

The returning officer said Okwukwu was elected by the progressive movement in Igboland, expressing appreciation to the national delegates who stormed Port Harcourt for the exercise, even as he noted that they were the true members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for finding the new helmsman worthy.

He said the new leader had pledged to defend the interest of all Igbos and uphold the tenets of the constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Okwukwu, in his acceptance speech, thanked the delegates, saying that he humbly accepted the enormous responsibility imposed on him to lead the Igbo race “at this moment in our history”.

The newly elected President General said his top priorities include engaging the Federal Government on the unconditional release of the leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and restructuring Nigeria.

Besides, he promised to “unite fractured nerves and bring the Igbo together as one indivisible family,” saying that he was fully aware of the unprecedented trust reposed in him and his capacity to do so.

He equally pledged defend the Igbo nation, adding: “I shall live up to their high expectations.”

Okwukwu thanked all members of the Electoral Committee, the elders, members of the press and the general Igbo public, for all the joint efforts that contributed to a successful convention.

The factional newly elected President General, while noting that the Igbo nation had gone through unprecedented travails, assured that he would waste no time in engaging the federal and state governments, businessmen, politicians, youths and the intelligentsia, to address the problems facing the Igbo.

He said he would meet President Bola Tinubu to work for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu and other political prisoners, and ensure de-criminalization of political exiles to enable they return home to join the process of reconstruction.

“We shall encourage the federal and state governments to engage all agitators to address grievances so as to bring a just closure to issues,” Okwukwu said.

Speaking further, he said he would also engage the Federal Government in dredging, modernization and restoration of the Igweocha/Port-Harcourt and other coastal ports for the Igbo/East and others, together with the dredging of the Azumini to Opobo Imo River basin to the coast, in order to recreate a pole of export-import industrialization and development in Igboland/East, down to the Middle-Belt and Maiduguri.

“I will work for the creation of the Anioma State as an equalization state for the Igbo, and for additional Aba, Adada, Etiti, Orlu or other states in case the balance is further disrupted,” he said.

On restructuring, Okwukwu promised to mobilise the Igbo for the agenda, noting that all other ethnic nationalities had ready templates, but no recent Ohanaeze leadership had had any courage to address the issue.

“I will work hand in hand with critical Igbo stakeholders to advance the unity of the Igbo nation, and ensure that Igbo communities in Benue, Edo etc, are fully incorporated into the Ohanaeze family memberships, modernize the Igbo language as one of the major languages of global commerce, culture, science and technology,” he said.

Okwukwu, it was gathered, emerged as the consensus candidate having been identified as the only independent contestant among more than four aspirants that sought to lead the Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

The election attended by several people was held in Port-Harcourt, with delegates from the South-East and the Diaspora in attendance, while more than 200 social and cultural groups were also present at the event.

The third was Senator John Azuta-Mbata who on January 10, as scheduled by the Nze Ozichukwu led group, emerged President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

He was elected through a consensus arrangement during a General Assembly of Ohanaeze, attended by Governors Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodinma, Chukwuma Soludo of Enugu, Imo and Anambra States, respectively.

Mbata, a former lawmaker, represented Rivers East at the National Assembly.

He succeeds Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu who was appointed to complete the tenure of the late Chief Emmanuel lwuanyanwu from Imo State.

Prince Okey Nwadinobi from Abia was elected as the National Deputy President, while Chief Emeka Sibeidu from Anambra State is the new Secretary General of the Igbo group.

Mbata shunned journalists at Old Government Lodge, Enugu venue of his election for interview, even as it took several interventions and long hours for many newsmen to get accredited to cover the event.

Editor

Jude Ossai (JP) a veteran journalist is a National Diploma holder in Mass Communication from Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. He also studied at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu and Imo State University, Owerri for his first and second degrees in Mass Communication, respectively. He writes extensively on politics, crime, corruption, climate change, healthcare, human rights, social justice, among others.