By Kelechi JK Onwumereh December 9 2008

The recent election of Ambassador Ralph Uwechue as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is instructive for two major reasons:

Firstly, the election itself was seamless and almost predetermined with auto precision. It is true that the position of president general had been zoned to Delta State before hand but in the Nigerian context, we know this should count for nothing. People are wont to abuse the law and circumvent procedures with impunity if they have a stake to protect; thus in the estimation of trouble makers, zoning a position to a state doesn’t necessarily confer legitimacy on the process. Selfish elites with inordinate ambition will justify their disruptive plans by juxtaposing their non-conformance with the ‘undemocratic’ process of zoning.

Ralph Uwechue was elected unopposed. This is not a mean feat. Picking a consensus candidate can be a nightmare. Though it is not uncommon in Igbo electoral affairs to select consensus candidates to represent the people, it is largely ‘un-Nigerian’. Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the Pan Igbo Socio-cultural organization and also the single most powerful body in modern day Igbo land. Whilst its constitution clearly defines the organization as non-political, every Nigerian politician and discerning observer clearly understands the political dispositions and dynamics intrinsic in the operation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. This position makes its offices well sought after. The ability of Ndigbo, particularly those of Anioma extraction to supervise the emergence of a single consensus candidate for the position of president general is laudable.

Secondly, the election is the strongest indication of a post Biafran war Igbo renaissance. It proves that Ndigbo have woken up and are prepared to redefine alliances and put a quintessential mark on Igbonness. Historians have advanced theories that many Igbos presently inhabit many parts of Nigeria that are not Igbo speaking. These claims are often contentious as they can only be validated by oral accounts. However, what is not disputed is the fact that Igbos largely inhabit the Anioma areas of Delta State and other parts of Rivers, Cross Rivers , Benue, Akwa Ibom and Bayalesa States . The Igbos in the areas mentioned above speak the Igbo language in their distinct dialect.

However, the divide and rule policy of colonial Britain and the post war state creation exercises by series of military governments ensured that the old homogeneity of Ndigbo as was represented by the defunct Eastern Region was effaced. In other words, the idea and policy was to balkanize the region and make cooperation difficult among Igbo people who share a natural and historic ancestry. Ambassador Ralph Uwechue is from Ogwashi Ukwu in Delta State . His election is therefore a statement of oneness which must cement the re-awakening of Ndigbo in a 21^st century Nigeria. It is certainly commended as a land mark and historic event.

It is in light of the above that the newly elected executive of Ohaneze Ndigbo must articulate a veritable road map for Igbos at home and in diaspora. It is also for this reason that the present circus show by certain stalwarts and stakeholders of Ohaneze needs to be reassessed, challenged and nipped in the bud. The turmoil and whirlwind which the erstwhile secretary general of Ohaneze Ndigbo – Colonel Joe Achuzia is fermenting in Ireland is despicable and repugnant. His action in conferring by fiat the Ezeigbo and Ezeudo titles on certain individuals who do not represent Igbos in Ireland on Sunday 7^th December, 2008 is considered retrogressive and at worst an anathema. The ideals behind instituting the Igbo Traditional Council in the Island of Ireland appeals to majority of Ndigbo but the process of selecting the custodians of the Igbo culture and tradition must be seen to be fair, inclusive and representative. It must not be based on a rent-a-crowed-pay-a-token process.

Igbos in Ireland have a lot to offer to the comity of Ohanaze Worldwide hence it is important for the sake of peace and cohesion that the newly elected executive headed by Ralph Uwechue issue a strong worded disclaimer to the effect that any actions or inactions carried out on their behalf by Colonel Joe Achuzia in Ireland remains a nullity. His unsolicited devices demean his personality, the Igbo Traditional Council and make a mockery of what Ohaneze Ndigbo originally set out to achieve. The shambolic and clandestine manner in which the illegitimate coronation took place is sad. Ninety nine percent of Igbos in Ireland reject any imposition by Colonial Achuzia and will not recognise the half-baked goons he has hoodwinked.

Okenye anaha ano nulu ewu amuo n’obu!

Congratulations Ambassador Ralph Uwechue.