On Tuesday, Igbo leaders, political figures, and traditional rulers came together in Lagos for the public presentation of a new book on Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The event marked 50 years of the organisation and came with one clear message: the time for unity, reconciliation, and institutional renewal is now.

The Book

The book is titled Ohanaeze at 50: The Burden of Memory, the Politics of Relevance – A Critical Biographical Reflection of an Igbo Institution. It was written by Agbeze Ireke Kalu Onuma.

At 602 pages, it is not a traditional history of the organisation, and it is not a celebration. The author describes it as an independent look at Ohanaeze’s achievements, its shortcomings, its internal contradictions, and its chances for renewal.

Onuma said his decades of involvement in Ohanaeze gave him a view of how the organisation works that went beyond what the media reported.

Who Was There

The gathering drew some of the biggest names in Igbo leadership, including:

• Abia State Governor Alex Otti
• The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe
• Former Anambra State governor and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi
• H.R.M. Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, the Enachioken of Abiriba
• Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe

Others in attendance included Elder Dr Uma O. Eleazu, Prof. Anya O. Anya, Elder U.K. Eke, Prof. Okey Anueyiagu, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, and Elder Peter Nwankwo.

The event gave those present a chance to reflect on Ohanaeze’s role in preserving Igbo identity, speaking for Ndigbo, and navigating the political and economic realities the people face.

Otti Calls for a Shift

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour and Chief Host, Governor Otti called for a transformational change in how Ohanaeze operates as it marks its 50th anniversary.

Peace Within the Organisation

Mazi Ikechukwu Bismarck Oji, Deputy Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, represented the President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata. He praised the author’s contribution and spoke about plans to restore peace and order in Lagos, which he called the “capital of Africa”.

He said Ohanaeze, guided by the Igbo principles of Njiko ka and Igwebuike, had pursued peace and reconciliation within its own structures.

“Still standing on the Igbo ethos of Njiko ka and Igwebuike, we have, most importantly, pursued peace with vigour and sincerity. We have intervened and are resolving long-standing crises in our chapters in Lagos, Abuja, London, and Ireland,” he said.

“We believe that peace within Ohanaeze structures is critical to our credibility as the apex body of the Igbo nation.”

Oji also stated that there is currently no recognised Ohanaeze President in Lagos, pending the resolution of matters before the courts.

“For now, there is no Ohanaeze executive in Lagos until all matters in court are resolved. Our PG, Senator Mbata, has set up a committee to reconcile the factions and restore permanent peace to Lagos State Ohanaeze,” he added.

A Mirror for the Organisation

The Obi of Onitsha urged Ndigbo to take a critical look at the state of Igbo leadership. He called for greater unity and cohesion, and for a clearer understanding of the challenges facing the people.

He said the book serves as a mirror for Ohanaeze, honestly examining its internal failings and raising the questions Ndigbo must answer to chart a better path forward.