Confusion as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elects Three Presidents-General

• Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide faces a leadership crisis with three Presidents-General emerging from parallel elections conducted by different factions
• Senator John Azuta-Mbata was declared President-General in an election attended by prominent Igbo leaders, signaling potential resolution to disputes

A crisis is unfolding within the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, following the emergence of three Presidents-General from parallel elections conducted by different factions.

The first election, held on January 5 in Port Harcourt by a factional group, declared Jackson Omenazu, an Ikwerre native from Rivers State, the President-General. However, prominent group members rejected the outcome, leading to another election on January 10.

In the subsequent election, Barr. Uche Okwukwu, a former Secretary-General of the organization, was announced as the new President-General.

Adding to the controversy, a third election took place at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu, attended by notable dignitaries, including Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Patricia Obila.

Senators Chris Ngige, Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, and other prominent Igbo figures also witnessed the event.

During the Enugu election, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, a former Rivers East representative in the National Assembly, was declared the new President-General.

His election reportedly gained widespread acceptance among Igbo leaders and elders, signaling a possible resolution to the leadership dispute.

If Azuta-Mbata’s leadership remains uncontested, he will succeed Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, who recently completed the tenure previously held by the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Other officials elected during the Enugu event include Prince Okey Nwadinobi from Abia State as National Deputy President and Chief Emeka Sibeidu, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, as Secretary-General. Chidera Anieke from Enugu State was elected National Treasurer, Ezechukwu Ezechi from Imo State as National Publicity Secretary, and Okey Ugwu from Ebonyi State as National Legal Adviser.