Time to Contextualize Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

Time to Contextualize Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

 A word for the New PG – Sen. Azuka Mbata

As the authentic new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigb Worldwide has emerged, now led by Sen. John Azuta-Mbata, it has become apropos to re-contextualize this noble organization.

For years, it has been described as a Socio-cultural organization. Yes! It is and will remain so, but it must become more.

In recent years, some well-meaning people have expressed fears about the relationship and status of this organization with respect to our Governors and political office holders. While these fears are germane, they need to be allayed by offering some contextualization.

While Ohanaeze Ndigbo must remain the apex Socio-cultural organization of the Igbos, it must set its sights high and far into the horizon to prepare itself to influence other significant areas that affect the survival and well-being of Igbos around the world. To get into this expanded visionary mold, the leadership must do a few things. 

First, the leadership must take pragmatic steps to restructure the organization at different chapter levels, as the late PG, Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu wanted to do. There has to be a strict adherence to the operational guidelines for the running of Chapters that make them submissive to the National Leadership and subject to the disciplinary actions of the National Leadership.

There has to be a deliberate effort to support and strengthen the function of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing World and use that platform to groom and raise young Igbos for national public leadership. There also needs to be an age limit for admission as a member of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing.

This has to be outlined and enforced. There must be a point of entry and exit because of age in the Youth Wing.

It would be most appropriate to integrate women into the body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and not consign them to just Women’s Wing. Let women become part and parcel both in leadership selection and appointment. We must re-invent this organization for the future.

Concerning the role of Governors and political office holders in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, it must be recognized and accepted that political leadership or political authority is the highest level of authority we have, after God. It will be acting on ignorance to assume that Ohanaeze Ndigbo should act totally outside the influence of Governors. What should be done is for the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Political Leadership to have mutual understanding and respect for each other, and work together for the common purpose of the development and protection of Igbo interests within Nigeria’s polity and beyond. We need the support and contributions of the Governors. Their influence and guidance are required in the selection of the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, at any time. What should be advocates is that they should encourage the due process to be followed in all things. 

Ohanaeze Ndigbo must see itself beyond being a Socio-cultural organization. It must begin to exercise political influence through advocacy and diplomacy. The Organization must learn how to engage the wider Nigeria for the political benefit of Igbos without being partisan. This is a delicate role to play but can be done effectively through wisdom and tact.

The Standing Committee earlier set up by the late PG, Chief Iwuanyanwu, should be revived, encouraged, financed, and spurred on to champion the mandates they already have. 

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo must establish a Research Centre or Arm and fund it adequately to document and produce informed responses to public issues that affect Igbos in Nigeria. The Research Arm or Centre must be taken seriously. The era of ad hoc ideas and policies should be done with. 

The role of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in the Nigeria of today and into the future depends on how the leadership manages its internal dynamics and dissent of opinions. Tolerance and accommodation of contrary views will help assuage those who have been hurt and feel shut out. 

An open-door policy and ability to listen will be of great asset to the new leadership.  A liberal public communications approach, devoid of extreme stand on issues, will help promote greater understanding and open doors for more fruitful engagements with outsiders. 

When the leadership does well for the Igbos, then those who are Igbos elsewhere but are afraid to identify with their Igboness for fear of reprimand will be emboldened to reconnect at their pleasure and volition, without force or intimidation.

It’s time to re-contextualize Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. I congratulate Nze Ozichukwu, the immediate PG, for conducting a peaceful election and ensuring a smooth transition of power.

I wish the new leadership the best as it begins this arduous but noble journey of leading the Igbo nation in the next four years.

May God be with you!

Rev. (Dr.) Joseph C. Ibekwe 

Leadership Consultant & 

Secretary, Ohanaeze Committee on Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria.

11/01/2025

Abuja

Tel: +234-8033261363