Members of the Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State have publicly distanced themselves from John Azuta-Mbata, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, criticizing his decision to assume the leadership role without consulting his own people first.
Voicing their disapproval through the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization Worldwide, they expressed disapproval of Azuta-Mbata’s choice to head a group exclusively for the Igbo community, viewing it as a betrayal of his Ikwerre heritage.
In a joint statement by the President-General and Secretary-General of the organization, Godspower Onuekwa and Nyebuchi Philip, the group emphasized that Azuta-Mbata’s actions were unilateral and lacked the endorsement of his kinsmen, community, and Apara Kingdom.
Labeling his decision as a violation, the organization announced the revocation of any honors or titles previously conferred on Azuta-Mbata within the Ikwerre community.
The statement clarified that while Azuta-Mbata has the right to associate with any group in Nigeria, his choice to lead Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo signifies a voluntary disassociation from his Ikwerre roots, which was not representative of the broader Ikwerre community’s sentiments.
As a consequence of his actions, Azuta-Mbata is now considered an outsider in Ikwerre territory and is prohibited from participating in any Ikwerre gatherings or political activities, starting from his own Eneka Community, Apara Kingdom, and the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization Worldwide.