By ALEX ENEBELI

The Apex Igbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has warned those using its name for public statements to desist from it.

The group said there were several embarrassing publications aimed at tarnishing the image of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in particular and the Igbo ethnic in general.

Dr Alex. Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu.

Ogbonnia added that Ohanaeze led by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu expressed dismay at the embarrassments that were often caused to the general public by the maladjusted attention seekers that deploy the name of the group in most “detestable and deplorable proportions”.

According to him, no person has a right to wake up and issue a far-reaching statement on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo without consultations or a form of consensus.

“Therefore, those behind such acts are highly ignorant of the damages they cause to themselves and the Igbo nation on a daily basis.

“They are reminded that every misconduct against the Igbo pantheon or the Imeobi Ohanaeze has its corresponding inevitable consequences,” he said.

The publicity secretary explained that various eminent Igbo dignitaries had appealed to such mischief makers to appreciate that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide represented the history, emotions, collectivity, spirituality, unity and strength of the Igbo nation.

Ogbonnia further hinted that Igbo had a unique socio-political orientation and disposition, saying they were republican, egalitarian, deliberative, liberal and democratic.

“The attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has been drawn to the news making the rounds indicating that it will participate fully in the inauguration of the President-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu”.

He alleged that one Okechukwu Isiguzoro had been making statement on behalf of the Ohaneze.

Ogbonniai added that they deployed several means available including reaching out to the traditional ruler of Okechukwu Isiguzoro community for him to desist from the damages he caused to the image of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, to no avail.

Ogbonnia said Ohanaeze obtained a court order restraining Mr. Chidi Ibe, Prince Richard Ozobu, Isiguzoro and others from parading themselves as representatives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“Justice Uchenna Mogbo of the High Court of Enugu State, further declared that the purported parallel election of the officers of the National Executive Council (NEC) of Ohanaeze conducted in Enugu State at the instance of the defendants is illegal and un-constitutional,” he said. (NAN)

•The National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Alex. Ogbonnia

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