The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Community in Ondo State has distanced itself from those parading themselves as the political arm of the Igbo cultural organisation.

In a communiqué issued after the quarterly meeting of the apex Igbo association, the association said it has not authorised anybody or organisation to use the name of the association to operate outside its recognised arm.

The communiqué signed by the President General, Onyeoma Chris Ezea, and Secretary, Mazi Onwe David, said Ohanaeze Ndigbo has two recognised arms, including the Administrative Arm, headed by the President General; and the Traditional Arm, headed by the Eze Ndigbo.

Onyema and Onwe said those parading themselves as a political arm are not working in the interest and unity of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state.

The communiqué read: “After extensive deliberations on
matters affecting the unity, leadership structure, representation, and collective interests of Ndigbo in Ondo State, there is no political arm of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ondo State.

“Therefore, no individual or
group should claim, establish, or operate under the name of a political arm of Ohanaeze
Ndigbo Ondo State. That the three appointees of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ondo State in the Ondo State Government are the recognised representatives of the association and the Igbo community in
government.

They gave the names as Hon. Francis Belonwu – Special Assistant to the Governor, Central Senatorial District; Hon. Isaiah Igwe – Special Assistant to the Governor, Northern Senatorial District; and Hon. Uche Okafor – Special Assistant to the Governor, Southern Senatorial District.

The group said, “That any other person or group presenting himself, herself, or itself to the Ondo State
Government as a representative of the Igbo community or Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ondo State, without the approval and recognition of the association, should be regarded and treated as an impostor.

“That all matters, communications, requests, consultations, interventions, or engagements
between the Ondo State Government and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ondo State shall be channelled
through the three recognised representatives of the Igbo community in government, as
listed above, and no other individual or group.”

Ohanaeze reaffirmed its commitment to unity, peace, mutual respect, responsible leadership,
and the protection and advancement of the collective interests of Ndigbo residents in the state.

They said all members of the Igbo community, government agencies, stakeholders, and the general public
are urged to take note of and comply with these resolutions.

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