The Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide in Rivers State has publicly distanced itself from Senator John Azuta-Mbata, disavowing his assumption of the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo. The organisation asserted that Azuta-Mbata had not consulted his kinsmen, community, or kingdom before accepting the role. By aligning himself with an organization exclusively for the Igbo people, the group stated that he had effectively renounced his Ikwerre identity.
In a statement released in Port Harcourt and signed by Godspower Onuekwa and Nyebuchi Philip, the President-General and Secretary-General of the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, respectively, it was emphasized that Azuta-Mbata’s decision was made in private without the approval of his community or the Apara Kingdom.
The organization emphasized that Azuta-Mbata’s actions were considered sacrilegious and did not reflect the views or sentiments of the Eneka community, Apara Kingdom, or the entire Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality. They further declared that his choice to align with the Igbo people and hold the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo was a personal decision that was disclaimed and denounced by the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide.
The group announced that Azuta-Mbata would now be seen as a stranger in Ikwerre land, withdrawing any honors or titles previously conferred upon him by Ikwerre organizations.