The Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, representing the Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State, has publicly condemned John Azuta-Mbata, the newly elected President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide. The group accused him of committing sacrilege against Ikwerre land and its people by accepting a leadership role in what they consider an exclusive Igbo organization.
In a decisive statement, the organization labeled Azuta-Mbata a “total stranger” to Ikwerre land and announced the withdrawal of all honors, recognitions, and titles previously conferred upon him. They further prohibited him from participating in any activities within Ikwerre land, including meetings and political representation, starting from his hometown, Eneka Community, in Apara Kingdom.
Godspower Onuekwain, the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre, along with Secretary General Nyebuchi Philips, articulated the group’s stance, emphasizing that Azuta-Mbata’s decision to contest for the position was not reflective of the collective will of the Eneka Community or the broader Ikwerre Ethnic group.
The statement acknowledged Azuta-Mbata’s constitutional right to associate with any group, as outlined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. However, it asserted that by becoming the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Azuta-Mbata has effectively renounced his identity as an Ikwerre person.
“Having freely taken a position to be an Igbo man, and to occupy the position of President-General of Ohaneze, the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide unreservedly and unequivocally disclaims and denounces his action,” the statement declared. This was framed as a private decision made without the consent or approval of Azuta-Mbata’s community and the Ikwerre people.
The controversy surrounding Azuta-Mbata’s election reflects deeper ethnic and cultural tensions within Nigeria, highlighting the complexities of identity and representation in a country where ethnic affiliations often play a significant role in political and social dynamics.
