Ohanaeze elects first-ever Ikwerre president as former Rivers East Senator Azuta-Mbata takes over

SENATOR John Azuta-Mbata the former lawmaker representing the Rivers State East Senatorial District has been elected as the 13th president-general of pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Becoming the first ever Ohaneze president from Rivers State, the Ikwerre-speaking Senator Azuta-Mbata has created history. Although Rivers State is home to a number of Igbo sub-groups including the Ikwerre, Etche, Ubani and Ekpeye, they have never really associated with Ohanaeze up until now, choosing instead to identify with the Ijaw and other south-south groups.

Historically, the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has rotated between Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Delta and Imo states and for the first time, it has now gone to Rivers State. Prominent Ikwerres like Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike for instance, have identified or defined themselves as Igbo despite the fact that their language is an Igbo dialect.

Today's election took place at the old Government Lodge in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, at a gathering which brought together prominent Igbo leaders. Senator Azuta-Mbata's emergence marks a significant milestone for the organisation, as he takes over the leadership at a crucial time when the unity and advancement of the Igbo people remain central to Ohanaeze’s mission.

Further details about his vision and plans for the Igbo nation are expected to be unveiled over the coming days once he settles into office. Senator Azuta-Mbata succeeds Fidelis Chukwu, who took over briefly in an interim capacity to replace Chief Emmanuel Iwanyawu who passed away last year.

Senator Azuta-Mbata and 15 other officials were elected to various executive positions within the organisation. As a former senator, Azuta-Mbata brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as a senator for the Rivers East constituency from 1999 to 2007.