The Ogbakor Ikwerre community has stripped the former senator of all chieftaincy titles that were previously granted to him, creating confusion among Ikwerre, the largest ethnic group in Rivers state, following Senator John Azuta Mbata’s ascent to the position of President General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo globally.
In order to avoid being associated with the Igbo ethnic nationality and culture, the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization stated that it would continue to preserve its distinct identity and history apart from others.
Eze Godspower Onuekwain, the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization Worldwide, said in a statement released in Port Harcourt that after Senator Azuta-Mbata became the President General of Ohanaeze, it became necessary to take disciplinary action by depriving him of all of his honors, recognitions, and chieftaincy titles.
Eze Onuekwain said that Senator Azuta-Mbata’s decision to contest and subsequently emerge as the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo was not the collective view and position of the Eneka community, Apara Kingdom, and the entire Ikwerre ethnic nationality.
“The Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization Worldwide, on behalf of Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality in Rivers State, Nigeria, after a passionate and exhaustive review of the sacrilegious action of Senator John Azuta-Mbata, becoming the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, a socio-cultural organization of Igbo People of Nigeria, wish to state in no unambiguous and uncertain terms that;
“Senator John Azuta-Mbata has the inalienable right to belong to any association of his choice in Nigeria as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but by becoming the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, an exclusive organization of Igbo people, he has willingly and freely renounced his membership and identity of Ikwerre people (Iwhuruohna).
“Having freely taken a position to be an Igbo man and to occupy the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide unreservedly and unequivocally disclaims and denounces his action; as such action is his private decision taken without the consent of his community, kingdom, and Iwhuruohna.
“As an Igbo man, he (Azuta-Mbata) is now seen, regarded, and declared as a stranger living in Ikwerre land. Therefore, he has been barred from participating in any Iwhuruohna gathering, meetings, or political representation starting from his Eneka Community, Apara Kingdom, and Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide.
“All awards, honours, and titles bestowed on him by any organization in Ikwerre are hereby withdrawn”, the statement said.
Another group, the Committee of Rivers Patriots, or CRP, responded by saying that since Ogbakor Ikwerre membership is optional, there is “no room for the banishment, not even the local communities can attempt to do that,” in a statement signed by its president, Engineer Datubo Georgewill.
In addition to stating that “Senator Azuta John Mbata contested as a Rivers indigene,” the Committee feels that Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s seat was allotted to Rivers state and not any ethnic nationality.
It stated that “Senator John Mbata didn’t run for the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo world-wide on the nomination or on the platform of any cultural organization and therefore not answerable to any cultural body or group”.
A well-known Ikwerre elder and former state chief of staff, Chief Emeh Glory Emeh, also expressed his opinion on the saga, stating that the Ikwerre people stand to gain nothing from Senator Mbata’s election as Ohanaeze president.
Glory Emeh criticized individuals who opposed Senator Mbata’s rise, claiming that the development was good for the people of Ikwerre and Rivers and should be applauded rather than denounced.
According to the former Commissioner for Transport and Aviation, notable sons from Ikwerre and Rivers State, including Dr. Obi Wali, who was the Senate Minority leader at one point; Chief Emma Aguma, a former minister; Chief C.C. Nwuche, a former senior police officer, and others, had held various positions in Ohaneze as president-general, secretary-general, and treasurer. Records also indicate that their affiliation with Ohaneze Ndigbo was advantageous.
“Senator Mbata, being President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo has not changed anything, and does not make Ikwerre Igbo. We are not losing anything because Ikwerre Man is the President-General of Ohaneze.Those who served in the past did so for one good reason or the other, and the objectives were achieved.
“Let us therefore support the Ikwerre President – General of Ohaneze Ndigbo so that the dividends of that decision can come to Ikwerre land and the entire Rivers State.
“In this connection, I wish to commend the governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for demonstrating a good understanding of the dynamics of Nigerian politics in the 21st century, and for taking the right steps at the right times to protect the interest of Rivers State.
“I am proud that Senator Azuta Mbata took this decision”. He called on Ikwerre and entire Rivers people to appreciate the importance of this bold step, and support the Senator to succeed.