Ohanaeze Defends Stance On Kanu, Restructuring, Says Group Remains Social-Cultural Body

Publicity Secretary lists charter, language chairs as achievements; explains seven-state structure

UMUAHIA — The Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, has said Ohanaeze has never shied away from reacting to burning national issues, including restructuring and call for release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Chukwu spoke in Umuahia during a press conference on 2026 Igbo Day alongside Secretary General, Emeka Sibeudu, and Abia Information Commissioner, Prince Okey Kanu, while answering questions from journalists.

He said Ohanaeze’s position has remained firm based on its principles and constitution, stating support for restructuring of Nigeria with its component variables.

Chukwu said Ohanaeze is not a political party but a social-cultural organisation that embraces Igbos across different political parties, with President-General Senator John Azuta-Mbata compliant with constitutionalism.

On comparison with Afenifere and continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, Chukwu said Ohanaeze’s advocacy role is different from Afenifere whose foundation is core political, while Ohanaeze is social-cultural and republican in nature.

He said Ohanaeze has consistently demanded Kanu’s release, citing President-General’s speech at Ohanaeze retreat in June 2024 and his declaration at Nkwo on September 28, 2025, that incarceration of Kanu is tantamount to incarceration of entire Igbo nation.

Chukwu noted that late President-General Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu trekked about 500 meters to visit Kanu at DSS facility before falling ill.

He stressed that Ohanaeze cannot enforce policies but can only embark on advocacy initiatives, describing its work as community service.

On why Ohanaeze structure is seven states instead of five South-East states, Chukwu explained that Igbo nation was balkanized after civil war, with indigenous Igbos in Rivers and Delta.

He said Ohanaeze Rivers State chapter has same status as South-East states, and Delta has nine local governments of Anioma, noting former President-General from Delta and current President-General Senator Azuta-Mbata from Eneka in Obio/Akpor, Rivers State. He said offices rotate among seven states, with room to extend rights to Igbos in other states like Edo.

On grassroots presence, Chukwu said primary unit of Ohanaeze is town union, moving from town union to local government to state to national, urging every Igbo person to see self as Ohanaeze member and engage state leadership.

On promotion of Igbo language, he said Mbata administration established Ohanaeze Professorial Endowment Chair for research on promotion of Igbo language and culture in seven Igbo-speaking universities, with about N2.5 million disbursed per chair.

He said four chairs have been endowed, fifth from Abia State University to be announced, with plans for Delta and Rivers, plus scholarship for 200 students studying Igbo language in tertiary institutions.