TheCable

Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the elder statesman, has been “selected” as the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

Until his selection, Iwuanyanwu was the chairman of the council of elders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Chiedozie Ogbonnia, spokesperson of the organisation, announced the development in a statement issued on Wednesday night.

He said Iwuanyanwu was selected by the Imo state council of elders led by Eze Ilomuanya after a “painstaking rigorous procedure”.

“In line with a doctrine of necessity, the NEC had at the demise of Ambassador Professor George Obiozor directed the people of Imo state to find a credible replacement of Obiozor for the post of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,” the statement reads.

“A press release dated April 19, 2023, signed by Mr Oguwike Nwachuku, the chief press secretary/media adviser to the governor of Imo state, stated that the Imo State Council of Elders, led by Eze Ilomuanya presented Chief Iwuanyanwu to the Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as ‘the consensus candidate of the Council for the post of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide’. Eze Ilomuanya described Iwuanyanwu as a ‘dynamic, versatile, purpose-driven and broad-minded personality of impeccable pedigree’.

“Before now, Iwuanyanwu is one of the finest amongst the Igbo; a philanthropist par excellence, massive employer of labour, robust creative thinker, brave soldier, accomplished engineer, astute business mogul, industrialist and sagacious politician.

“Beyond the above attributes is the general outcry for the prerequisites or the required persona for the Office of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Most expect the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to be economically stable and viable. He should have a presidential stature and clout. He should have robust intellect and a mind of his own.”

Ogbonnia said the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is expected to “detach” himself from politicians and should have the courage and “moral authority to reproach or condemn” a governor or any “high office holder” who goes against the Igbo interest or public norms.

He added that the new leader must “show capacity in many respects. He should have the courage and convictions to channel Igbo interests to the president of Nigeria without compromises. He should place Igbo interests above self-interest. He should be large enough or should have the tentacles that will incorporate the Igbo elements in the south-south of Nigeria and other sundry places”.

HOW IWUANYANWU SUCCEEDED OBIOZOR

George Obiozor, the former president-general of the organisation, died in December 2022.

Joel Kroham, deputy president-general of the organisation, had passed on four months before Obiozor’s death.

TheCable understands that the loss of both leaders in the space of four months created confusion as to where to choose the next leader from. The position rotates among Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers and Delta states.

The late Obiozor, who was from Imo state, had a four-year term that would have expired in January 2025 – after which the position would have been rotated among of the aforementioned states.

By selecting Iwuanyanwu who hails from Imo to succeed Obiozor, it appears he is expected to complete the term of the late leader.