A sociocultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo under the aegis of the Igbo Patriots, a body comprising key stakeholders and members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Oyo State, has issued a communique expressing serious concerns over the ongoing efforts to conduct an election within the state chapter of the socio-cultural association.
The group, after an emergency meeting held on Monday in Ibadan, strongly criticised the actions of Mr. Tallest Nwosu, the Senior Special Assistant on Community Relations to Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing him of undermining the authority and constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, reports Daily Independent.
The communique, signed by prominent Igbo leaders in the state, outlined several resolutions addressing the controversial election process that has deepened division among the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Oyo State.
The Igbo Patriots commended Mr. Nwosu for his efforts to mediate and resolve the internal conflicts within the Oyo State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which has been fractured by factionalism.
The group also expressed its full support for these reconciliation initiatives, noting that they were crucial for the cohesion and unity of the Igbo community in the state.
Additionally, the Igbo Patriots praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his support of the Igbo community, acknowledging his appointments of Igbos into key positions in his administration.
This, they argued, demonstrated the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between the Igbo people and the people of Oyo State.
However, the Igbo Patriots expressed deep concern over Mr. Nwosu’s recent actions regarding the leadership election within the Oyo State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
According to the communique, Mr. Nwosu has been using the office of the governor to promote the sale of election forms for the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Oyo State, in direct violation of the constitution and procedures laid out by the apex body in Enugu.
The group pointed out that Nwosu had advertised the sale of forms for the election under his personal bank account, instead of following the established financial protocols of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which stipulate the use of corporate bank accounts.
This action, the group argued, constituted a clear breach of the norms and regulations governing the organization.Furthermore, the Igbo Patriots Group stressed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Oyo State is a sub-national entity operating under the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, based in Enugu.
As such, they emphasised, any activities carried out at the state level must be in accordance with the directives and constitution of the national body.
The communique further indicated that the Igbo Patriots has revealed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has dissociated itself from the planned election in Oyo State.
The National Secretariat in Enugu, in response to a petition from concerned stakeholders, confirmed that it had neither authorized nor was aware of any election being organized by Mr. Nwosu.
The national body has also warned that legal action could be pursued against any individual or group collecting money in the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for this unauthorised process.
The communique also highlighted the withdrawal of the Imo State Association in Oyo State from the controversial election, citing concerns over its legitimacy and transparency.
The Igbo Patriots has now called on Mr. Nwosu and other organizers of the election to suspend the process immediately until further consultations are held to ensure that any election conducted is in line with the approval and authorization of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The group reiterated its commitment to reconciliation and unity among the various factions of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Oyo State but insisted that all actions be in strict accordance with the constitution of the national body and will not be party to any action in the contrary.
They warned against any actions taken under the guise of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Oyo State by individuals seeking to advance their own personal or political interests.
The Igbo Patriots further raised alarm over the collection of funds into personal accounts, which they described as a violation of established norms and a potential sign of fraud.
The group cautioned that such actions could have serious legal consequences, urging individuals involved to withdraw from the process to avoid legal liabilities.
The Igbo Patriots however, reaffirmed their commitment to the unity, equity, and justice of the Igbo community in Oyo State while calling for the immediate suspension of the election process.
They advised those involved in the alleged illegitimate election to cease their participation and await further instructions from the National body in Enugu.
The communique was signed by leading figures within the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Oyo State, including High Chief Godwin Mba, Deputy President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Oyo State Chapter, Engr. Tonye Brown, President of the Igbo Speaking Rivers Association, Dr. Isaac Ogada from Ebonyi State, High chief Godwin Mba- Deputy president of Ohanaeze ndi igbo Oyo state chapter- Enugu state;Engr Tonye Brown- President Igbo speaking Rivers of Ohanaeze ndi igbo Oyo State chapter- Rivers State; Dr Isaac Ogada- Ebonyi State; Emeka Nwagu, co-opted exco member of Ohanaeze ndi igbo Oyo State chapter and Chief of Staff to the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Oyo State chapter. Enugu State; Bar Udo Ofurunna, president of Imo State development association, Oyo State, Hon Philip Eke, co-opted exco member of Ohanaeze ndi igbo Oyo State chapter- IMO State; Mr John Nnanna- IMO State; Greg Dibosa- Igbo speaking DELTA state; Prof Uche Enweremadu-IMO state and several others.
