Uche Okwukwu
By Victory Oghene
Chief Bar. Uche Okwukwu has been elected as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, becoming the first Ikwerre man to hold the esteemed position.
The election, held on Friday in Enugu, comes amidst controversy over a previous election conducted on January 5, 2025, by a factional body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which announced Chief Dr. Jackson Omenazu, another Ikwerre man, as President.
However, the majority of Ohanaeze Ndigbo members rejected the January 5 election, declaring today as the authentic date for electing the new leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.
Bar. Uche Okwukwu’s emergence is seen not only as a significant milestone for the Ikwerre people but also as a step towards unifying Ndigbo worldwide. His leadership is expected to address lingering divisions, especially concerning the Ikwerre people, who registered as a separate ethnic group in Nigeria after the civil war, citing alleged maltreatment by the Igbo hinterland during that period.
Over the years, many Ikwerre people have agitated for reintegration of Ikwere to the Igbo nation, emphasizing their historical and cultural ties.
With Bar. Uche Okwukwu at the helm of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, this election is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering unity among Ndigbo globally, especially for those in the South-South region and the northern parts of Nigeria.
This development marks a turning point in the leadership history of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, with high hopes that his tenure will strengthen the bonds among all Igbo-speaking communities and solidify their shared identity as one people.
