The leadership crisis within Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, has escalated with the emergence of multiple individuals claiming the position of President-General.
Dr. Jackson Omenazu, a native of Rivers State, has been announced as the new President-General by the Richard Ozobu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo 2025 Election Committee. However, his appointment has been met with controversy, as prominent group members have rejected the outcome, and other factions have conducted their own elections.
Other elected NEC officers in his team include Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro from Abia State as Deputy President-General, Abbas Chinedu, Secretary General; Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia, National PRO/Spokesman; Ambassador Kingsley C. Ekwenye, National Vice President General (Anambra); Dr. Alexander Chikalue Okemiri, National Vice President General (Ebonyi); Sylvester Nwogu, National Vice President General (Imo); and Professor Iheanacho Agboti, National Legal Adviser.
According to a statement signed by Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu and Professor Chibuikeya Achokawa, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo 2025 Election Committee has announced the new leadership, which emerged unopposed. However, the organization is currently facing a crisis, as another election committee, led by Chief Ejiofor Onyia, plans to conduct a separate election on January 10.
The situation has caused confusion and division within Ohanaeze Ndigbo, with different factions holding competing elections and claiming legitimacy.
The Onyia committee is the main committee that has been mandated to conduct a credible election to usher in a new leadership of the apex organisation with the backing of all the South-East governors.
This is an indication that the crisis may fester for a while, as the association engages in succession tussle which has always been a bone of contention.
In his acceptance speech, Omenazu vowed to resist attempts by desperate politicians to hijack the Igbo body, noting that his emergence was in accordance with the 2004 Ohanaeze Constitution.
He stressed that it is the rightful turn of indigenous Igbos of Rivers State to occupy the position of president-general.
“This is a historical event as all injustices melted out against the indigenous Igbos of Rivers State have been reversed. We have recovered our Igbo identity. A bona fide Igbo from Rivers State has emerged the newly elected president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo since the end of the Biafra war 55 years ago.
“Igbos in Rivers State are full blooded Igbos; this is the end of an identity crisis and the politics of convenience regarding our Igbo identity.
“Today marks a pivotal moment in the history of our great organisation and Igbo people as a whole. It is a day of profound significance, not just for myself as your newly elected president-general, but also for the countless voices that have long been subdued and marginalised.
“I stand before you not merely as a leader but as a custodian of our shared heritage, a torchbearer for our collective aspirations, and a champion for our indomitable spirit.
“The cornerstone of this historic election is the affirmation of our rightful place within the narrative of the Igbo people. The selection of an indigenous Igbo from Rivers State as president general is not merely a token representation,” he said.
He said his emergence had paved way for path of progress towards a brighter future for the Igbo nation, unmarred by past grievances but inspired by the promise of unity, strength, and unprecedented achievement.
