The Oyo State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, under the leadership of Chief Ndidi Nzeako, has distanced itself from a controversial proposal for a new Ohanaeze that appears to have political motivations.
The initiative, which is being spearheaded by Innocent Nwosu Tallest, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Igbo Matters, has come under fire from the organization’s leaders.
At a press conference held at the Ohanaeze secretariat in Ibadan on Sunday, Chief Nzeako expressed his discontent with the initiative’s evolving focus. He pointed out that the original purpose communicated to them has shifted significantly toward political interests, leading the body to withdraw its participation.
Nzeako noted that the initiative was initially framed as a forum for fostering unity among the Igbo people. However, he argued that it has since transformed into a political venture.
He raised pertinent questions about the need for a new Ohanaeze when the Igbo Community Development Association (ICDA), an established affiliate of the main organization, is already functioning effectively within the state.
“This move is both unacceptable and unlawful,” Nzeako stated, emphasizing that the current Ohanaeze is the only registered organization recognized by its headquarters in Enugu.
He explained that Ohanaeze serves as the parent body in Oyo State, from which groups like the Igbo General Assembly (IGA) and the Igbo Community of Oyo State have emerged. Nzeako asserted that it is the responsibility of these offshoots to reconcile with the main organization rather than the other way around.
The Ohanaeze leader urged Mr. Tallest to adopt a more transparent approach regarding the Igbo peaceful unification project. He criticized the current execution of the initiative, claiming that the dual narrative of promoting it as one thing while simultaneously facilitating the formation of another Ohanaeze and calling for elections is misleading.
He condemned this approach as deceitful, highlighting the need for integrity within an organization that represents various town unions.
