By Our correspondent
Barrister Uche Okwukwu has been elected President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, making history as the first Ikwerre man to occupy this esteemed position.
This development follows the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization’s decision to zone the presidency to Rivers State after the passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who represented Imo State.
The election, held on January 10, 2025, took place amidst controversy surrounding a previous election conducted on January 5, 2025, by a factional body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
This earlier election announced Chief Dr. Jackson Omenazu, another Ikwerre man, as President.
However, the majority of Ohanaeze Ndigbo members rejected this election, declaring January 10, 2025, as the authentic date for electing the new leader.
Barrister Uche Okwukwu’s emergence marks a significant milestone for the Ikwerre people and a step toward unifying Ndigbo worldwide.
His leadership is expected to address lingering divisions, particularly concerning the Ikwerre people, who registered as a separate ethnic group in Nigeria after the civil war.
They cited alleged maltreatment by the Igbo hinterland during that period.
Many Ikwerre people have long advocated for reintegration into the Igbo nation, emphasizing their historical and cultural ties.
With Barrister Uche Okwukwu at the helm of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, this election is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering unity among Ndigbo globally, especially for those in the South-South region.
This development marks a turning point in Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leadership history, with high hopes that Barrister Okwukwu’s tenure will strengthen bonds among all Igbo-speaking communities and solidify their shared identity as one people.
Meanwhile,Acting National Youth leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu has emerged Anambra State Chapter President of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.
Okpalaezeukwu emerged during an election supervised by Chairman of the state electoral committee of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Titus Akpudo, who is President, Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU).
Among the elected State Executive Officers of the Anambra Ohaneze Ndigbo chapter were Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu as President, Hon. Ikechukwu Offorkansi as Secretary, Hon. Uzo Ekemezie – Publicity Secretary, Hon. Christian Okafor -Treasurer, Chief Augustine Udoh as Organizing Secretary, Chief Uchenna Michael Nwoye as Assistant Financial Secretary, Prof. Charles Nwadigwe as Financial Secretary, Ebelechukwu Ngini – Youth Leader, and Israel Chukwuemeka as Assistant Treasurer.
Others included Arch Austine Anegbunne as Assistant Publicity Secretary, Barr. Paul Okoye as Legal Adviser, Chief Peter Ezeofor – Assistant Secretary, Chief Damian Atuigwe – Assistant Organizing Secretary, Barr. Chimezie Ezechukwu – Assistant Legal Adviser, Mrs. Joy Onyekwelu – Woman Leader, Ignatius Nwawulu – Ex-Officio –South, Mrs. Chukwunonye Ojukwu – Ex-Officio –Central, and Deacon Godwin Iwuchukwu – Ex-Officio –North.
Announcing the election result, Chief Akpudo described the development as new dawn for the Ohaneze Ndigbo even as he encouraged the new state executives to join forces with the present administration for the development of the state.
He thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his unwavering support and provision of enabling environment for the conduct of the election.
Akpudo, who described the election as free, fair, and credible, appealed to both winners and losers to accept their respective circumstances in good faith and join hands to lead the Ohaneze State chapter and State generally to greater heights.
Responding on behalf of the newly-elected state executives, Mazi Okpalaezeukwu expressed gratitude to God for the grace of a peaceful exercise and to members of the organization for having faith in him to elect him to lead the organization.
He described the organization as one family, calling on everyone to join forces with his executive, to accomplish all they have set out to achieve.
He also called on the people to support Government in its efforts to introduce non-kinetic approaches in addressing the heightened insecurity in the state, assuring the group’s continued partnership.
“The room is very large and can accommodate everyone. State Chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo under my watch will align its programmes with that of the overall leadership of the organization in pursuit of a better AlaIgbo.
“I see our emergence at the helm of the State Ohaneze Ndigbo at this time as divinely orchestrated.
“We are not going to take this privilege for granted, but will run with the mandate you have given us, to deliver on the expectations of our people,” he assured.
One of the aspirants to the post of the President, Chief Alex Onukwue, said he accepted the outcome of the elections in the interest of peace and progress of the state.
