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The Ime-obi of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Saturday resolved that delegates from Imo State should nominate a new President-General of the apex Igbo sociopolitical group until January 10, 2025, when its next election will be held.
Ohanaeze has been without a President-General since the death of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Iwuanyanwu passed away on July 25, 2024, at the age of 81 after a brief illness in Abuja and was buried in his hometown of Atta, Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State, in November.
However, Ohanaeze’s Ime-obi accepted Iwuanyanwu’s replacement from Imo State during its meeting in Enugu State.
A communiqué issued after the meeting by Ohanaeze’s Secretary-General, Okey Emuchay, and National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, reads in part: “The Ime-obi extensively reviewed the situation and took note that the tenure of Imo State in the presidency of Ohanaeze will expire on January 10, 2025, and that there is a need to allow Imo State to complete its remaining 27 days in office. The Ime-obi therefore resolved as follows:
“That it accepts the request by Imo delegates to nominate a capable individual to oversee the leadership of Ohanaeze until January 10, 2025, when a new President-General will be elected, in accordance with the constitutional provisions of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“That the constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo shall be strictly followed in the election of the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“That the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide shall come from Rivers State, as provided in the constitution.
“The Ime-obi also resolved that the composition of both the Election and Screening committees for the forthcoming Ohanaeze election is the responsibility of the NEC.”
Former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, has distanced himself from the moves to install him as the next President-General of the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Ohakim said he has no interest in Ohanaeze’s presidency at this point in time.
In a statement he signed, the former governor said he’s focused on the burial of the late President-General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The former governor said he’s committed to ensuring that Iwuanyanwu receives a befitting farewell and not on the issue of succession.
Ohakim urged those behind the falsehood to desist from circulating such information.
According to Ohakim: “My attention has been drawn to a widely published media report linking me with a certain move in some quarters to install me as the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide; and as a result of which I have been inundated with inquiries from well-meaning Nigerians seeking clarification.
“Let me be clear: I have no knowledge of any plans to elect or appoint me as the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. No individual or group has contacted me, neither have I expressed interest in the position.
“I urge those spreading this malicious and reckless disinformation and bringing up the politics of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at this stage to desist from it and allow Ndigbo to mourn and reflect on the late Ahaejiagamba’s legacy, which brought peace and tranquility to our organization and Ala Igbo as a whole.
“I reiterate: I have no involvement in or interest in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidency at this time.”