Rivers' Uche Okwukwu emerges as Ohanaeze President-General

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By Madu Obi

Barrister Uche Okwukwu of the Ikwerre extraction of Rivers Staty has been elected President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. He becomes the first Ikwerre man to occupy the position.

This development follows the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization's decision to zone the presidency to Rivers State after the passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who represented Imo State.

The election, held on January 10, 2025, took place amidst controversy surrounding a previous election conducted on January 5, 2025, by a factional body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Although Chief Dr. Jackson Omenazu, another Ikwerre man, was earlier announced as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo amidst controversy, majority of Ohanaeze Ndigbo members rejected this election, declaring January 10, 2025, as the authentic date for electing the new leader.

Elected along with Okwukwu is the Acting National Youth leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu who emerged Anambra State President of the body

Okpalaezeukwu emerged during an election supervised by Chairman of the state electoral committee of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Titus Akpudo, who is President, Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU).

Responding on behalf of the newly-elected state executives, Mazi Okpalaezeukwu expressed gratitude to God for the grace of a peaceful exercise and to members of the organization for having faith in him to elect him to lead the organization.

He described the organization as one family, calling on everyone to join forces with his executive, to accomplish all they have set out to achieve.

He also called on the people to support government in its efforts to introduce non-kinetic approaches in addressing the heightened insecurity in the state, assuring the group’s continued partnership.

“The room is very large and can accommodate everyone. State Chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo under my watch will align its programmes with that of the overall leadership of the organization in pursuit of a better AlaIgbo.

I see our emergence at the helm of the State Ohaneze Ndigbo at this time as divinely orchestrated.

We are not going to take this privilege for granted, but will run with the mandate you have given us, to deliver on the expectations of our people,” he said.