Ohanaeze at 50: Otti, Obi, Achebe, Abaribe, Mbata, others call for Igbo unity

…As leaders seek reforms, reconciliation at book launch

Igbo leaders, political figures and traditional rulers on Tuesday converged in Lagos for the public presentation of a new book examining the 50-year journey, challenges and future of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, with calls for greater unity, reconciliation and institutional renewal.

The book, Ohanaeze at 50: The Burden of Memory, The Politics of Relevance – A Critical Biographical Reflection of an Igbo Institution, written by Agbeze Ireke Kalu Onuma, was presented at a gathering attended by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe; former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; H.R.M. Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, the Enachioken of Abiriba; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Elder Dr Uma O. Eleazu; Prof. Anya O. Anya; Elder U.K. Eke; Prof. Okey Anueyiagu; Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa; Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin; Elder Peter Nwankwo and other prominent Nigerians.

The gathering provided a platform for reflection on the role of Ohanaeze in preserving Igbo identity, articulating the interests of Ndigbo and navigating the complex political and socio-economic realities confronting the people.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour and Chief Host, Governor Otti called for a transformational shift in the way Ohanaeze Ndigbo operates as the organisation marks its 50th anniversary.
Representing the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, Mazi Ikechukwu Bismarck Oji, Deputy Global Publicity Secretary of the organisation, commended the author for his contribution and disclosed plans to restore peace and order in Lagos, which he described as the ‘capital of Africa’.

He said Ohanaeze, guided by the Igbo principles of Njikọ ka and Igwebuike, had pursued peace and reconciliation within its structures.
“Still standing on the Igbo ethos of Njikọ ka and Igwebuike, we have, most importantly, pursued peace with vigour and sincerity. We have intervened and are resolving long-standing crises in our chapters in Lagos, Abuja, London and Ireland.

“Because we believe that peace within Ohanaeze structures is critical to our credibility as the apex body of the Igbo nation,” he said.
Oji also reiterated that there was currently no recognised Ohanaeze President in Lagos pending the resolution of matters before the courts.

“For now, there is no Ohanaeze executive in Lagos until all matters in court are resolved. Our PG, Senator Mbata, has set up a committee to reconcile the factions and restore permanent peace to Lagos State Ohanaeze,” he added.
The Obi of Onitsha, in his remarks, urged Ndigbo to undertake a critical introspection of the state of Igbo leadership, calling for greater unity and cohesion and a clearer understanding of the challenges confronting the people.

The revered monarch said the book provided an important mirror for Ohanaeze by honestly examining its internal shortcomings and raising questions about what Ndigbo should be thinking about in order to chart a better way forward.
The 602-page book is presented as neither a conventional institutional history nor a celebratory account of Ohanaeze. Rather, the author describes it as an independent intellectual examination of the organisation’s achievements, shortcomings, internal contradictions and prospects for renewal.

Onuma, who has been involved in Ohanaeze activities for several decades, said his long association with the organisation had enabled him to observe its operations beyond what was reported in the media.