Group disown Ohaneze Ndigbo President-elect, Insist Ikwerre Not Igbo
The apex body of the Ikwerre people, led by Barr. Godspower Onuekwa, has strongly rejected any affiliation with the Igbo ethnic group or the broader Biafra identity, reaffirming that “Ikwerre is Ikwerre.”
The declaration came during a press briefing at Obiri Ikwerre in Port Harcourt, shortly after the election of Senator John Azuta Mbata as the new president of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people.
Addressing journalists, Onuekwa emphasized the distinct identity of the Ikwerre people. “Ikwerre is neither Igbo nor part of Biafra,” he stated unequivocally.
The press briefing highlighted the Ikwerre people’s insistence on maintaining their unique heritage and autonomy, separate from the Igbo identity often attributed to them by outsiders.
Onuekwa’s remarks come at a time when regional and ethnic associations are playing increasingly prominent roles in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. By rejecting the association with Ohaneze Ndigbo, the Ikwerre leadership has reinforced its stance on self-determination and distinct cultural heritage.
The press conference follows the election of Senator John Azuta Mbata as president of Ohaneze Ndigbo. While the election signifies continuity within the Igbo cultural body, the Ikwerre leadership’s rejection signals a divide in how different ethnic groups within the region perceive their roles and relationships within Nigeria’s multicultural framework.
