Confusion has enveloped the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the foremost Igbo socio-cultural organisation, following the emergence of two Presidents General from separate elections held in Enugu and Port Harcourt.
On Friday, 10 January 2025, Senator John Azuta Mbata, a former Senator representing Rivers East in the National Assembly, was elected as President General during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu. The election followed consultations among key Igbo leaders, with Mbata touted as a consensus candidate.
In contrast, Dim Uche Nnam Okwukwu, a prominent activist lawyer, had earlier been declared President General during a national convention in Port Harcourt. Okwukwu was elected unopposed on Thursday, garnering widespread support from delegates across the South-East and the diaspora.
The dual emergence of leaders has raised questions about the legitimacy of the elections and plunged the organisation into a leadership crisis.
In his acceptance speech, Okwukwu outlined an ambitious agenda aimed at uniting the Igbo people and addressing critical issues. He pledged to advocate for the restructuring of Nigeria, the release of political prisoners like Nnamdi Kanu, and the creation of additional states for equitable representation. He also promised to modernise Igbo infrastructure and engage with the Federal Government to tackle regional challenges.
Okwukwu’s supporters have hailed him as a consensus candidate capable of leading the Igbo nation at a pivotal time. The Port Harcourt convention was described as a historic event, with over 200 cultural and social groups in attendance.
Meanwhile, Mbata’s emergence in Enugu has sparked debate among stakeholders. His supporters argue that his election followed extensive deliberations and represents the will of key Igbo leaders. However, critics question the parallel process, accusing it of undermining Ohanaeze’s unity.
Adding to the drama, former Inspector General of Police Sir Mike Okiro withdrew from the Ohanaeze presidential race, citing an Enugu State High Court order barring him from participation. Okiro contested the decision, arguing his Rivers State indigeneity, but emphasised his respect for the rule of law. Though he was born in Oguta in Imo State, Okiro is said to be from Egbema in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. He is known as the first ethnic Igbo to assume the post of Police Inspector General.
Okiro’s withdrawal adds another layer of complexity to the crisis, as stakeholders grapple with the fallout from the court’s decision and the emergence of two Presidents General. Now 75, Sir Okiro headed the Nigeria Police Force as its a inspector General from 2007 to 2009, and later headed its external oversight agency, the Police Service Commission from May 2013 to May 2018.
The leadership tussle has sparked widespread concern within Igboland, with calls for dialogue to resolve the impasse. Observers warn that the crisis could weaken Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s influence and undermine its ability to advocate for the Igbo people.
As the dust settles, all eyes are on the organisation’s leadership to navigate this tumultuous period and restore confidence in its mission to unite and uplift the Igbo nation.
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