Ex-IGP Mike Okiro steps down from Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidency race over ‘state of origin controversy’

Mike Okiro, the former inspector-general of police (IGP), has withdrawn from the race for the position of the president-general of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

Speaking at a press conference in Enugu on Thursday, Okiro said his withdrawal complies with a court ruling that barred him from contesting the position based on his exact state of origin.

The Enugu state high court reportedly barred Ohanaeze Ndigbo from fielding Okiro as an aspirant or contestant in the January 10 election of its president-general.

While announcing his withdrawal from the race, Okiro said the court order contradicts “verifiable facts” on his state of origin, adding that he hails from Rivers.

The former IGP said he was an executive member of the Rivers State Students’ Association while attending the University of Ibadan.

“My dear brothers and sisters, I, Sir Mike Okiro CFR, President General Candidate for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Election slated for 10th January 2025, address you today with unwavering resolve,” he said.

“I have been made aware of the Enugu State High Court’s interim order, which regrettably restrains me from contesting the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Presidency General Election tomorrow.

“The court order, based on alleged non-indigene status, contradicts verifiable facts. It is unfortunate that the court did not invite me or hear from me before giving that obnoxious order, which I got from the media.

“The facts are (a) that I hail from Egbema in Rivers State as shown by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth. (b) My Traditional Ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema, has also confirmed my indigene status in Rivers State. (c) I have written many books where my indigeneship of Rivers State is shown in the author’s column. A good example is my best seller, titled: “Nigeria: The Restructuring ‘Controversy”.

“(d) Page 6 of my biography written by Mr. Dozie Okebalama also shows my indigeneship of Rivers. (e) I have attended many Imeobi meetings where I represented Rivers State in the attendance list compiled by the Secretary-General. (f) As a student at the University of Ibadan, I was a member of the Rivers State Students’ Association, where I was elected as Treasurer, and another Great UIte, now Distinguished Senator Andrew Uchendu was elected as Secretary. (g) I was representing Rivers State during the meetings of the South-South People’s Assembly under our respected leader, Chief Edwin Clark, where Prof. Pat. Utomi, another Great Nigerian, represented Delta State. My records and credentials speak for themselves.”

Over the past few months, Okiro’s state of origin had ignited controversy with some contestants calling for his withdrawal from the race.