Iwuanyanwu: Ohanaeze Rejects Call for Acting President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has criticized certain Igbo leaders advocating for an acting president general to succeed the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. The organization labeled this push as contrary to Igbo cultural values.
The demand for an acting leader emerged following the deaths of Chief Iwuanyanwu and his Deputy, Chief Joel Kroham, from Rivers State. In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze denounced the call as premature and disrespectful, occurring even before Iwuanyanwu’s burial.
Ogbonnia expressed disbelief that while people across Nigeria have shown dedication to honoring the deceased, some Igbo leaders were convening meetings to discuss appointing an interim president general. He noted that many of those pushing for this change are titled individuals familiar with Igbo traditions, suggesting they have neglected the core principles of Igbo culture.
Ambassador Okey Emuchay, the Secretary-General, reassured the Igbo community that Ohanaeze’s leadership remains strong under the capable National Executive Committee (NEC). He emphasized that the NEC consists of accomplished individuals across various fields, ensuring effective governance.
With the funeral rites for the late leader approaching, Emuchay warned that an intensified struggle for Ohanaeze leadership would be a distraction and a misrepresentation of Igbo values. He urged the community to focus on honoring the deceased, promising that a proper process for leadership selection will be implemented following the funeral, scheduled for Novembe
r 1, 2024.
