In a recent statement made at the National Secretariat in Enugu, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the principal socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo community, declared a firm stance against factional dissent within its ranks.
The declaration followed an extensive National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting presided over by the organization’s President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Chief Iwuanyanwu addressed the media on Wednesday evening, emphatically denying the existence of any factions within the organization.
He reaffirmed that the only recognized leadership is under his guidance. The statement came as a direct response to activities by a group led by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who claims to hold the position of Secretary General in a rival faction.
The organization has resolved to submit the names of the individuals involved with Isiguzoro’s group to the Ime Obi, Ohanaeze’s highest decision-making body, for appropriate sanctions. Chief Iwuanyanwu disclosed plans to disseminate these names across all Igbo communities to ensure the individuals are ostracized, citing financial motivation as the driving force behind their actions.
This decision was intensified by recent allegations circulated by the dissident group, which falsely accused Chief Iwuanyanwu of attempting to apologize to the North for the events of the 1966 coup — an accusation that he firmly denied. According to Chief Iwuanyanwu, such discussions never occurred, nor were they ever planned. He stressed the historical significance of the Igbo’s role in stopping the coup and asserted that the Igbo community should be commended rather than condemned.
In an emotional recount, Chief Iwuanyanwu shared that despite his efforts to reconcile, including offering assistance to Isiguzoro for his health concerns, the faction continued to issue misleading statements that contradict the organization’s official stance.
Chief Iwuanyanwu also took a strong position on historical injustices against the Igbo people, stating that an apology from the Nigerian state is overdue, referring to the genocidal acts committed during the Biafran War rather than any contrition from the Igbo side.
Recall that Iwuanyanywu was nominated following the demise of the erstwhile president-general, George Obiozor, who passed on January 9, 2023.
