…cites deception, lack of purpose

By Adeola Badru

The Oyo State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, led by Chief Ndidi Nzeako, has announced its withdrawal from the proposed peaceful unification of Ndigbo in the state.

According to the group, the initiative, which was being facilitated by the Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Igbo Matters, Innocent Nwosu Tallest, has faced significant criticism from the organisation’s leadership.

During a press conference held at the Ohanaeze secretariat in Ibadan on Sunday, Chief Nzeako expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the initiative.

He emphasised that the body could no longer participate, citing discrepancies between the initial intentions communicated to them and the current political undertones of the project.

Nzeako recalled that it was initially presented as a forum to them, aimed at fostering peaceful unification; however, it has since evolved into a political endeavour.

He raised concerns about the necessity of establishing a new Ohanaeze when the Igbo Community Development Association (ICDA), a recognised affiliate of the parent body, is already operational in the state.

Nzeako questioned the rationale behind creating a separate Ohanaeze, asserting, “This is unacceptable and unlawful,” and underscoring that the existing Ohanaeze is the only registered and affiliated organisation recognized by its headquarters in Enugu.

He elaborated that Ohanaeze serves as the parent body in Oyo State, from which other groups such as the Igbo General Assembly (IGA) and the Igbo Community of Oyo State have splintered.

Nzeako insisted that it is the responsibility of these breakaway groups to reconcile with the main body, not the other way around.

The Ohanaeze leader urged Mr. Tallest to adopt a more transparent approach regarding the Igbo peaceful unification project, criticising the current execution of the initiative, stating that the dual narrative, promoting it as one thing while facilitating the formation of another Ohanaeze and calling for elections, was misleading.

He described the approach as deceitful, which is unacceptable to an organisation comprised of representatives from numerous town unions.

Nzeako further clarified that Ohanaeze is fundamentally grounded in town unions rather than state-level organisation, contrasting this with the proposals being made by Tallest.

He argued that inviting individuals of unknown backgrounds to stand for elections into executive positions deviates from the established practices of Ohanaeze.

The Oyo Ohanaeze, however, rejected the proposed unification initiative, calling for a return to principles that prioritise genuine representation and unity among the Igbo community in the state.