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Tag: Ohaneze Ndigbo

  • Ohaneze addresses alleged leadership tussle to replace Iwuanyanwu

    Ohaneze addresses alleged leadership tussle to replace Iwuanyanwu

    The Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-political organisation, has denied reports of leadership tussle within it to replace its departed President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

    The association’s president in Ebonyi, Dr Peter Mbam, disclosed this during the official opening of a condolence register in honour of the late statesman in Abakaliki on Tuesday.

    Mbam said the organisation was still mourning its national head and therefore, described any report of leadership tussle as false.

    “We are waiting for the bereaved family and the Imo Government to announce the burial plans, which we would participate actively.

    “It is after the burial that the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Imeobi (inner circle) of the association would meet and agree on how to find a replacement for him,” he said.

    He described Iwuanyanwu as a colossus, whose leadership qualities would be missed by the organisation and Igbos in general.

    “He told us we needed to support the winner of the 2023 general elections despite the fact that the Igbo man who contested did not win.

    “When the hunger protest issue was mulled, he advised Igbos not to participate because they had been victims of such events in the past.

    “We took the advice to our various states, our people listened to us and there was no protest in the Igbo states,” he said.

    The Chief of Staff to the Ebonyi Governor, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, who first signed the condolence register, said Iwuanyanwu was a friend of Ebonyi and a great unifier of the Igbos.

    “I met him personally in April when he visited Ebonyi, and though the governor had some reservations about the organisation, he made necessary clarifications.

    “The governor was satisfied and obliged all his requests while he also obliged those of his host.

    “He blazed the trail in all areas he ventured into – engineering, education, journalism, aviation, sports among others as Nigerians would miss him dearly,” he said.

    A Vice President General of the association, Chief Okeagu Ogeada, noted that the vacuum created by Iwuanyanwu’s demise would be difficult to fill.

    “He played critical roles in the development of Ebonyi, as its people and the entire Igbo race would be indebted to him.

    “The state’s founding fathers held the meeting of its creation in his house despite the fact that he was not an indigene of the state.

    “He delivered our requests to the then Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, and also played critical roles in siting the state’s capital in Abakaliki after it was created,” he said.

  • Ohaneze Ndigbo denounces nationwide hunger protest

    Ohaneze Ndigbo denounces nationwide hunger protest

    The Ebonyi chapter of the Ohaneze–Ndigbo Worldwide on Monday, denounced the planned, nationwide hunger protest scheduled for  on Aug. 1, urging the state’s citizens not to participate in it.

    The state chapter of the apex Igbo social-cultural organisation denounced the protest in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chief Anya Okorie on behalf of its leadership under Dr Peter Mbam.

    The chapter in the statement made available in Abakaliki, noted that it aligned with its national leadership’s stance of not identifying with the protest.

    “Our national leadership has appealed especially to Igbo youths not to participate in the protest as the tribe is always the scapegoat of such issues.

    “We join our national leadership in appealing to Igbos to support President Bola Tinubu as his administration’s policies would definitely address hardship in the country.

    “The state leadership under Dr Peter Mbam therefore urges Ebonyi people to heed to our national leadership’s wise counsel,”  the statement read.

    The state chapter, in the statement, commended Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s policies and programmes aimed at enhancing the people’s well-being.

    “These policies are anchored on the people’s charter of needs mantra as the governor has earned the citizen ‘s trust to solve their economic and social problems.

    “The recent recruitment of 1,500 civil servants including health personnel across the state, payment of workers’ pension and gratuity arrears among others, are testaments of these policies,” the statement read.

    The statement indicated that the chapter would continue relishing the legacies of its departed National President, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

    “Ahaejiagamba (the name of pride) of the Igbos set out machineries to reposition the organisation and the results are evident.

    “He was a priceless politician, businessman, philanthropist, pillar of sports, Igbo leader and statesman who contributed immensely to the unity and  development of the country,” the statement read.

  • ‘Different courts have already freed him’ – Ohaneze calls for Kanu’s release

    ‘Different courts have already freed him’ – Ohaneze calls for Kanu’s release

    The Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, has urged the Federal Government to heed the call to release Mr Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    Okeke-Ogene said that time is now apt for the federal government to heed calls from prominent Nigerians to release Kanu.

    He disclosed that Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and other stakeholders in the past have urged the federal government to release Kanu.

    Okeke-Ogene said restoration and promotion of the rule of law and respect for the fundamental human rights of individuals are key to stabilising the polity.

    He said that respect for the rule of law restores people’s confidence in governance and appealed to the government to shun calls for Kanu’s continued detention.

    He condemned in strong terms the recent outburst of the ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, asking the federal government not to release the IPOB leader.

    Okeke-Ogene said that such a call was prompted by personal and selfish interests to attract favour from the government.

    According to Okeke-Ogene, the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu is not in the interest of the country since different courts of competent jurisdiction “have already freed him”.

    He assured that Igbo stakeholders are not relenting in the efforts to ensure that Kanu is released.

    Okeke-Ogene reacted to the demolition of some buildings at Alaba Market in Lagos state, and urged Igbos in the area to remain calm.

    He said that Ohaneze Ndigbo leadership is taking measures and efforts to ensure a peaceful resolution of the matter to protect their interests.

    On governance in Anambra state, Okeke-Ogene commended Gov. Soludo for his political will and courage in focusing on fulfilling his promises to the people of the state.

    He stated that the Ekwulobia flyover project and other infrastructural facilities are aimed at accelerating sustainable development and better future for the state.

    He extolled those affected by the project for their understanding and collaboration with the state government.

  • Ikpeazu, Soludo mourn George Obiozor, Ohaneze Ndigbo’s leader

    Ikpeazu, Soludo mourn George Obiozor, Ohaneze Ndigbo’s leader

    Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of Anambra, has expressed sadness over the death of Prof. George Obiozor, the President-General of Ohanézè Ndígbo.

    Soludo, who expressed his condolences in a statement signed by Mr Christian Aburime, his Press Secretary, said Obiozor was a great diplomat and a solid intellectual in the diplomatic circles

    He described the passing on as a big loss to the people of Imo State, Igbo race, the Nigerian nation and the world at large.

    Soludo noted that as a professor and diplomat who was the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States at a time, Obiozor truly impacted the world around him as a leader and would therefore be solely missed.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and good people of Anambra State, I commiserate with the Obiozor’s family and the government of Imo State over the irreparable loss,” he stated.

    The death of Obiozor was announced by Imo State Government on Dec. 28. He died at the age of 80 years.

    Obiozor’s death shocking – Ikpeazu

    Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has expressed shock over the death of the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor.

    Ikpeazu made this known in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onyebuchi Ememanka, and made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Thursday.

    He described the octogenarian as “a ranking member of the global academic community”.

    He further described him as “a world acclaimed Professor of International Relations and a diplomat of the finest grade”.

    The governor said that his death robbed Igbo nation of one of its most illustrious sons.

    According to him, the deceased was one of the most powerful men of Igbo extraction at the global diplomatic level.

    He maintained that his death had dealt a huge blow on Ndigbo, which is still grappling with issues around leadership and her place in Nigeria.

    “Prof. Obiozor would be deeply missed,” he stated.

    He added that posterity would judge him favourably, considering that he left indelible footprints on the sands of time.

    Also, Prof. Damain Opata, the Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, described Obiozor’s demise as a great loss to South-East and the country.

    “I received the death of our national president with shock, surprise and sadness,” Opata said.

    He further said that the incident had denied Ndigbo and Nigeria a great leader and global career diplomat.

    “The death of Obiozor is not only a great loss to Ndigbo but to the country and world.

    “It’s indisputable that the country and the international community will miss the immense intellectual contributions and wise counsels of Obiozor on national and global issues.

    The professor emeritus from the Department of English and Literary studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said that Obiozor “would be remembered for his commitment to uniting Nigeria beyond geo-political consideration”.

  • What George Obiozor said about Peter Obi before passing on – Ohaneze

    What George Obiozor said about Peter Obi before passing on – Ohaneze

    The Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has disclosed that its late President General, Prof George Obiozor spoke emotionally about the candidacy of Peter Obi before passing on.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide made this disclosure in a statement signed by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Alex Ogbonnia.

    While making the disclosure, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Igbo nation in the statement expressed grief over the death of Prof Obiozor.

    Recall Governor Hope Uzodimma on Wednesday announced the death of the former Nigerian Ambassador to the U.S., aged 80.

    The group’s reaction to Obiozor’s death made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Thursday stated that Ohaneze received the news of the PG’s passing “with a heart overtaken by pain and sorrow”.

    Ogbonnia in the statement described Obiozor as “a prodigy and an enigma of some sort, an erudite, reflective scholar of world renown and a prophetic intellectual”.

    He further described him as an “astute, resourceful administrator, sagacious phebian, political submarine, seasoned diplomat, cultural reservoir, detribalised patriot and jovial cerebral discussant”.

    He also stated that “the most endearing of the Obiozor’s mystique could be summarised in character; the courage of his convictions, steadfastness and uncompromising commitment to his goals”.

    The statement added that the deceased demonstrated his unassailable commitment to the Igbo people.

    It stated: “Obiozor will be remembered as a man who displayed an uncommon intellect, irrepressible courage, candor, tolerance, large heart and equanimity. He sacrificed his personal comfort in the service of Igbo nation.

    “Obiozor was sometimes misrepresented and misunderstood because of the silent cautious strategy and tactics with which he pursued his goals.

    “But behind the great achiever was an uncommon and perfect gentleman of immense proportion. The Obiozor life trajectory is one of the most enviable.

    “He started as a child in Awo-Omamma in Imo, went to the USA for further studies, acquired a Doctor of Philosophy, taught in world class universities and promoted to a professor of International Relations.”

    Ogbonnia recalled that during the last meeting of the group’s National Executive Committee in Owerri “Obiozor spoke emotionally about the candidacy of Peter Obi”.

    “He pointed out that it would have been a major catastrophe, if Obi were not in the race. Above all, Obiozor in his first world press conference as the President General assured the Igbo that time had come for the age-long collective aspiration of a Nigerian president from the South-East of Nigeria,” he stated.

    He noted that the global academic community has lost a lot with the passing of Obiozor.

    Ogbonnia further remarked that Obiozor stood out among his peers “for his unique intellectual wizardry, profound sense of humour, extraordinary creative imagination, rationality, clear-headedness, unwavering determination and incandescent passion”.

    The group condoled with the deceased wife, children and his immediate family.

    “We take solace in the fact that when a chronicle of Igbo personages will be launched, some leaders will appear in footnotes while some chapters will be devoted to Prof. George Obiozor,” it added.

    TNG reports Obiozor served Nigeria in various capacities, including being the Director General, Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Lagos and Ambassador to Israel and Cyprus.

    He also led the  Igbo delegation to the 2014 National Constitutional Conference. He was elected the group’s PG on Feb. 9, 2021.

    Obiozor’s death great loss to Nigeria – Peter Obi

    Meanwhile, the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi has described the death of the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor as a great loss to Nigeria.

    Obi, who said this via his Twitter handle on Thursday, expressed sadness over the news of Obiozor’s death.

    “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor.

    “He was a dear elder brother and friend.

    “Prof. Obiozor was a patriot, renowned academic and diplomat, who served Nigeria and Ohanaeze selflessly and diligently.

    “He was witty, well-heeled in history and effusive in his personal charm and warmth.

    “The death of this foremost Igbo leader is a huge loss to the entire Obiozor family, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Nigerians in general.

    “On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his family and all who mourn him,” he said.

    Obi prayed God to grant him eternal rest and those he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

    Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo announced Obiozor’s death in a statement on Wednesday night.

    Obiozor, who died at the age of 80, was elected the 10th president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo on Jan. 9, 2021to succeed Nnia Nwodo who exited the office after the expiration of his four-year tenure.

    The late Obiozor hailed from Awo-Omamma in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo.

  • CCDI celebrates ex President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nwodo at 70

    CCDI celebrates ex President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nwodo at 70

    The Cultural Credibility Development Initiative, CCDI, has celebrated with the former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, as he turns 70 today, 11 December 2022.

    In a statement signed by CCDI Secretary, Steve Nwabuko, Nwodo was described as an astute leader, orator par excellence, lawyer, motivator and emeritus President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

    “He is the son of the reputed Chief John Nnia Nwodo, first Republic Minister of Government in the Eastern region and one of the founding fathers of present day Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide.

    “Chief Dr John Nnia Nwodo graduated from the University of Ibadan in the mid 1970’s with honours and is reputed to have led as President the Students Union Government (SUG) of Nigeria’s premier University of Ibadan.

    “Dr John Nnia Nwodo has served twice as Federal Minister in two Governments in Nigeria and is reputed to be the first youngest serving Federal Minister in the Information portfolio. Dr John Nnia Nwodo is husband of the late Justice Nwodo of the Court of Appeal.

    “He is a chip of the old bloc and a scion of the legendary Nwodo clan of Ukehe in Enugu state. He is endowed with a lineage of highly cerebral siblings to count on: Dr Joseph Nwodo (former Presidential aspirant). Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, Medical Doctor and former Governor of Enugu state. Mrs Grace Obayi, former Commissioner. Dr Mrs Valerie Azinge,SAN and diligent luminary. Dr John Nnia Nwodo is a survivor of the Nigerian civil war and a war veteran.

    “Dr John Nnia Nwodo is one of the Trustees of Cultural Credibility Development Initiative(CCDI) and he has showcased strength in words and deeds. Dr John Nnia Nwodo has expressive prowess, is humble, approachable, dignifying and a sought after speaker in major public colloquial.

    “He is a God fearing man and has patterned his life and that of his family in the most respectful Christian ethos of truth, civility and sacrifice.

    “As Dr John Nnia Nwodo ascends to the seventh (7th) floor today, we in Cultural Credibility Development Initiative(CCDI) rise in unison to call him a jolly good fellow, a team leader, an Igbo cultural activist, a great negotiator, a very sound social re-engineering agent, facilitator and an ubiquitous Igbo scholar.

    “Ike Ukehe, accept our best wishes of long life in good health, wisdom and prosperity. May your legacy count here and in the after life. Congratulations Sir and enjoy your day in fruitfulness and fullness.”

     

  • 2023: Why Nigerians should support Peter Obi for president – Ohaneze Ndigbo

    2023: Why Nigerians should support Peter Obi for president – Ohaneze Ndigbo

    The Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has said that its support for the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, was based on its desire for equity, justice and fair play in the country.

    The President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Amb. George Obiozor said this in Umuahia on Tuesday.

    Obiozor, represented by the Secretary General of the organisation, Amb. Okey Emuchay, spoke at the inauguration of the new officers of the Abia chapter of the body together with gala night and merit award.

    He said that it was for the same reason and unity of the country that the group’s political action committee toured the five other geopolitical zones of the country seeking support for the emergence of the next Nigerian president of Igbo extraction.

    He said, “Ohaneze Ndigbo is not talking about Igbo president but a Nigerian president from South-East.”

    He said that the organisation’s nationwide tour was to further demonstrate to the rest of the country that the 30-month civil war was over.

    He said, “The war has since ended and for equity, justice and fairness, Nigeria should support a candidate from the South-East to become president.

    “After the war, we have continued to thrive and engage other sections of the country in the most friendly manner.

    “Our people can be found doing well in different parts of the country and beyond.

    “In fact, if you travel to any village or city within and outside the country and did not see any Igboman in the place, do not unpack your luggage, simply leave the place.”

    The Ohaneze Ndigbo chieftain decried the renewed banditry and killings in some parts of the zone ahead of the 2023 polls.

    He cited last week’s killings at Eha-Amufu in Enugu State and the return of insecurity in Imo and Anambra.

    He alleged that the attacks were intended to demarket the zone politically, ahead of the elections.

    He regretted that in spite of the organisation’s robust engagements with the political parties, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, “the two big political parties overlooked the zone in the choice of their presidential candidates”.

    Obiozor alleged that the South West was pacified in 1999, following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, presumed to have been won by late Chief M.K.O Abiola, who died in detention.

    “Nigeria took a decision in 1999 to present Chief Olu Falae and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as presidential candidates and Obasanjo was chosen.

    “Such a deliberate political arrangement could have been applied to the South-East in the run up to the 2023 poll to give the zone a sense of inclusiveness,” Obiozor said.

    Earlier in an address, the new Abia President of the organisation, Okey Nwankwo, said that “the Igbo have all it takes to lead the nation”.

    Nwankwo, who recalled that their inauguration was delayed for about one year, promised that his executive would take the organisation to greater height in the state.

    He called on all Igbo sons and daughters to contribute their quota toward the overall development of the Igbo nation in terms of human and physical infrastructure.

    Also, the Chairman of the event, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Chief Azubuko Udah, urged the leadership of the organisation to properly organise the body and remain non-partisan to attract all the Igbo sons and daughters.

    Udah also appealed to the group to support the efforts by the Old Boys Association of the National High School, Aba, to take back the school built by the defunct Igbo Union.

    He regretted that the school, which had produced eminent Nigerians in different spheres of life, had become a shadow of itself.

    He said that the association was determined to restore the lost glory of the school and stop the alleged balkanisation of its land by land grabbers.

    Merit awards were presented on the occasion to eminent sons and daughters of the five states of the South-East, plus two South-South states.

    The list included Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, Speaker of the state House of Assembly,  Chief Chinedum Orji, and former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, amongst others.

    Posthumous awards were also given to late Deputy Gov. Chima Nwafor and late Sen. Uche Chukwumerije, who represented Abia North between 2003 and 2015.

  • What kola nut means traditionally in Igboland – Ohaneze Ndigbo

    What kola nut means traditionally in Igboland – Ohaneze Ndigbo

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo, says the Igbo tradition of presenting kola nut to guests is a sign of hospitality.

    The group stated this in a communique issued at the end of a one-day seminar by the Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Nsukka Local Government Area, Prof. Damian Opata.

    It explained that the Igboland attaches some sacredness to the fruit, commonly called “oji”. It stated that the seminar was organised for traditional rulers, president-generals of town unions, scholars and other community stakeholders.

    It reads amongst others: “Kola nut remains a symbol of hospitality, which is why the first thing offered to a guest as a sign of welcome by the host in Igboland is kola nut”.

    The group further explained that in Nsukka area, the kola nut is first broken into lobes before prayers are said to ascertain that it had no bacteria infection.

    “It is believed that any kola nut presented must be wholesome,” Opata stated.

    According to him, infected kola nuts are usually thrown away since it is believed that “Ezechitoke” (God) and our ancestors will not accept it.

    “Any person assigned to break kola nut among the Nsukka people does it and gives a lobe to the oldest person in the area for prayer.

    “Kola nut and Ofo (traditional symbol of authority) constitute the two most important ritual symbols in Igboland,” he stated.

    The retired University of Nigeria, Nsukka lecturer further explained that the seminar was organised to emphasise the importance of kola nut breaking ceremony.

    “This seminar is anchored on the need to explore the various practices associated with breaking of kola nut and preserving them for posterity.

    “In this age of modernity where many young persons have become alienated from their culture, youths should be taught how to break kola nut in Igboland.

    “The sacred fruit is an object of ritual and communing with God and our ancestors,” he said.

    The group expressed appreciation to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Chief Walter Ozioko, for their continued support for Ohaneze Ndigbo.

    It stated that the duo had shown passion in promoting the Igbo cultures and traditions.

    The communique listed the speakers at the seminar to include Igwe Patrick Okoro and Igwe Christian Asogwa, while Igwe Simon Okenyi was the Chairman, Local Organising Committee.

  • Ohaneze Ndigbo seeks reconciliation, unity as Ossai takes over in Lagos

    Ohaneze Ndigbo seeks reconciliation, unity as Ossai takes over in Lagos

    The Ohaneze Ndigbo has ended the leadership crisis rocking its Lagos State chapter,  with the formal inauguration of the new leadership,  led by Mr  Sunday Ossai.

    The new Chairman,  Ossai, was presented his certificate alongside other elected members by a Chieftain of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Kalu Onuma at a ceremony in Lagos on  Saturday.

    Onuma urged the new executive to remain united and carry everybody along in its activities in the state.

    He said there was a need for total reconciliation and unity in the Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos state chapter.

    Speaking, Ossia said the inauguration had settled all credibility issues of the group in Lagos state, after a protracted delay before the election.

    He vowed to end the disunity in the body and give every Igbo in the state a sense of belonging by first reconciling all aggrieved parties.

    Toward their empowerment, he promised to  “register all Igbo businesses in a way that Ohaneze becomes their marker.”

    According to him, every successive Ohaneze tenure comes with its distinctiveness, achievements, innovations, new partnerships and continuity toward developing, sustaining and enhancing the ideals of Ohaneze Ndigbo, with much emphasis on the welfare, peace and unity of Ndigbo.

    “Today, the much-awaited journey toward the total emancipation of Ndigbo in Lagos state has commenced. I stand before everyone seated here to pledge my loyalty, commitment and selflessness as the servant-leader of the new face of Ohaneze Lagos state.”

    He pledged firm support to the government and people of the state, and to mend the disunity which he said,  the past administration of the group brought about due to concerns that were not in the overall interest of Ndigbo.

    Ossai further appealed to every Igbo  to return to the fold and join hands to serve Ndigbo in Lagos state , stating: “In this administration, the common interest of Igbo shall be our collective achievement.

    “We shall ensure that the interest of the Igbo shall be protected in our host-state and communities as long as our people stand firmly in honesty, love and hard work.

    “To this effect, I have painstakingly, after due consultations, created as a matter of urgency, what I consider the most important committee that will reposition and redirect the focus of Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos state in line with my ardent desire to leave a remarkable and indelible legacy for future adiministrations.”

    He commended Ohaneze and all whose efforts ensured “a credible and successful election without any form of acrimony.”

    Concerning the focus of the association,  Ossai clarified that “Ohaneze Ndigbo is a socio-cultural group, it is apolitical.”

    Speaking, Mr Joe Igbokwe,  APC chieftain and Special Adviser to the Lagos state government on  Drainage and Water Resources,  said that all Igbo sons and daughters worldwide were automatic members of the Ohaneze.

    Igbokwe, who said Ohaneze remained  an apex body for all Igbos,  explained the nature of the crisis that existed in the Lagos state chapter as “a little problem in leadership.

    “Normally, we don’t get involved in the process, but Ohaneze constitution says that the  tenure is four years, after which you go.

    “But somebody says he wants a second term, so, it brought about crisis and confusion. We are here to conclude the matter.”

    He said that going forward, “the next thing is reconciliation – those who said they want to continue in office, those who have been alienated – we want to bring back everybody.

    “It’s a huge population. It’s a complex issue but we are dealing with it.  The next thing is how to bring unity,  peace, harmony, you go about your business and be law-abiding, that’s all.”

    Newsmen reports that the event was graced by prominent Igbo sons and daughters in the state.

  • Solomon Ogbonna no longer our Lagos president – Ohaneze Ndigbo

    Solomon Ogbonna no longer our Lagos president – Ohaneze Ndigbo

    The Newly elected Executive of the Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos State, led by Chief Sunday Ossai says the tenure of its former president, Chief Solomon Ogbonna expired in June.

    This was disclosed by the new president at a news conference in Lagos on Thursday.

    The new president, Ossai was speaking on the backdrop of controversy surrounding formation of another group in Lagos state, the Ohaneze Political Forum, led by Ogbonna, the erstwhile leader of the Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos state whose tenure expired on June 16.

    “An election was conducted by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos state on June 16, which brought in a new executive that I lead.

    “The election was based on the electoral guidelines as stipulated by Ohanaeze Ndigho Worldwide Constitution and Lagos state chapter bye-laws, on a four-year single term and no renewal or tenure elongation.

    “The tenure of Ogbonna ended on June 16, and therefore, seizes to function as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos state president.” he said.

    According to Ossai, Solomon Ogbonna therefore, cannot parade himself as the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos state and Apex Leader of the Ohanaeze political forum.This is unconstitutional and in total disregard and breach of Ohanaeze national constitution and Lagos chapter bye-laws.

    “There is nothing like Ohanaeze political forum registered anywhere in Nigeria or abroad.Ohanaeze is a socio-cultural organisation that binds all Ndigbo together anywhere in the world

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos state uses this medium to distance itself from activities of this new group.”

    He argued that no parallel organisation can exist in Lagos state as representing the Igbos, as no affiliate can exist without subjection to the Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide constitution under which our group was set up

    “This news conference has become necessary to put the records straight and to defend Ohanaeze Ndigbo constitution,” he added.