Iwuanyanwu: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Rejects Call for Acting President General

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has publicly criticized certain Igbo leaders advocating for the appointment of an acting President General in the wake of the recent deaths of its leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and Deputy President General, Chief Joel Kroham, from Rivers State. The organization has labeled these calls as contrary to Igbo cultural values.

In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed disbelief that discussions about leadership changes were occurring even before the late Iwuanyanwu had been laid to rest. Ogbonnia emphasized that while many Nigerians have demonstrated a commitment to honoring the deceased, some members of the Igbo community are preoccupied with discussions about leadership succession.

“It seems that the advocates for the immediate enthronement of an acting leader may have overlooked the fundamental principles of Igbo norms, culture, and tradition,” Ogbonnia stated.

Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, reassured the Igbo community that the organization’s leadership remains strong under the guidance of its National Executive Committee (NEC). He highlighted that the NEC comprises accomplished individuals across various fields, including academia, law, public administration, and commerce.

Emuchay urged unity among the Igbo people during this period of mourning, stressing that the push for an interim leader is not only distracting but also culturally inappropriate. He affirmed that the organization would follow appropriate protocols for leadership succession after the funeral rites for Iwuanyanwu, scheduled for November 1, 2024.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo called on all members of the Igbo community to focus on honoring their departed leaders rather than engaging in divisive politics during this sensitive time.