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A power struggle appears to be brewing within Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the preeminent socio-cultural organization for the Igbo people, following the passing of President General Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu on July 25, 2024. The leadership vacuum left by his death suggests a potentially contentious battle for the top spot.
With immediate effect, Chief Jackson Omenazu, Chairman of the Elders’ Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in River State, has taken on the mantle of “de facto and acting President General”, pledging to manage the organization’s affairs until a new election is conducted in January next year, when a substantive leader will be chosen.
Interestingly, this development occurs even though his proposed elevation to the role of Deputy President General, presented to the NEC of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 2023, was not ratified, casting a shadow over the legitimacy of his current claim.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Imo’s continued participation, its tenure in Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains ongoing, with only four months left to serve.
However, the recent loss of two prominent leaders from the state has raised doubts about whether Imo will choose to nominate a replacement to complete the remaining term, which is set to expire in January 2025.
Chief Omenazu, seemingly invoking the notion that “nature abhors a vacuum,” declared that he is constitutionally mandated to lead Ohanaeze Ndigbo, having been nominated by the Rivers State branch and presented to the NEC last year.
While speaking with Guardian, he said: “I will take over. By the constitution of Ohanaeze and its organogram, I will take over. I am the de facto President General and acting President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo by the demise of Chief Iwuanyanwu. There is no provision for the Secretary General to takeover. I am coming to take over so that we can plan the burial of Iwuanyanwu and midwife the procession of our transition next year.”
Chief Omenazu observed that his nomination by the Rivers State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 2023 was a response to the void created by the death of Joel Kroham, who died in office as Deputy President General in 2022, and was intended to ensure continuity and completion of the state’s tenure.
Read also: Ohanaeze Ndigbo President Iwuanyanwu Passes Away At 82
Chief Omenazu revealed that a letter dated September 21, 2023, endorsing his nomination was signed by 17 leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo chapters in Rivers State, including State President Chief Lucky Ekeji, and subsequently presented to the National Executive Council (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo through Iwuanyanwu.
The letter sighted by The Eastern Updates reads in parts: “In a meeting held on September 20, 2023, we unanimously nominated Chief Jackson N. E. Omenazu as our Deputy President General to occupy the Rivers State slot. We also affirm that this resolution of the said meeting reflects the overall interest, commitment and dedication of all Ohanaeze members in Rivers State to the course of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.
“Chief Omenazu is the Chairman, Elders Council of Ohanaeze Rivers State and he is hereby nominated to replace our late Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, which is zoned to Rivers State in accordance to the rules and ordinances of our great Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.”
Additionally, the letter urged the NEC to approve Chief Omenazu’s nomination with confidence, asserting that he has the indispensable skills and attributes required to perform effectively in the position.
Representatives from the Rivers State branch of Ohanaeze Ndigbo attended a NEC meeting where the letter was submitted, but the issue was curiously not discussed, despite being included on the agenda for the November meeting, which was supposed to forward it to the Imeobi meeting for further consideration.
