National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Olumide Olusegun
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has made it clear that there is no ongoing leadership struggle for the position of President General within the organization. This clarification comes in response to a recent report by a newspaper (not Punch), which suggested a power tussle within the group following the passing of its President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
In an official statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the organization distanced itself from claims made by a member, Chief Dr. Jackson Omenazu, who had reportedly declared himself the de facto Acting President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, pending the election of a new leader.
The statement reads in part, “There is no leadership row or tussle in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide at present, and there is not likely to be one in the near future. The National Executive Committee (NEC) comprises erudite scholars, technocrats, and veterans from various fields, ensuring that the functions of the umbrella Igbo body are being fulfilled most seamlessly on a daily basis by the appropriate structures under the administrative competence of the Secretary General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR.”
The statement further addressed a letter circulating that suggested Chief Dr. Jackson Omenazu was nominated or selected to replace the late Joel Kroham, who served as the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo until his death. Dr. Ogbonnia emphasized that the NEC had not received any such letter and that it would be “exceedingly insensitive and inconceivable” for the NEC to adopt a replacement for Kroham based on a mere letter from Rivers State, especially when there is skepticism about their commitment to Igbo identity.
“Our brother, Dr. Jackson Omenazu, has every right to pursue his interest in becoming the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo come January 2025,” the statement continued. “However, he should refrain from using words such as ‘shameful,’ ‘immoral,’ and ‘unacceptable’ in reference to the reputation of Ohanaeze. It is in his best interest to conduct his campaign without creating the impression that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is in the midst of a leadership crisis. More importantly, even the least cultured Igbo understands that to struggle for the seat of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide before the burial committee for the late President General is constituted is, to say the least, very sacrilegious, imprudent, and unscrupulous.”
Dr. Ogbonnia concluded by asserting the organization’s confidence in the unity and integrity of the Igbo people, including those from Rivers State, emphasizing that they would ultimately reconnect with their roots, regardless of the time it may take.
