Legal dispute threatens Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidential election

The planned 10 January 2025 election for a new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been thrown into uncertainty following an order by an Enugu High Court directing all parties involved to maintain the status quo until a ruling is made.

The pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation had scheduled fresh elections for its executive positions, with Rivers State proposed to produce the next President-General.

This move, intended to recognise Rivers as an Igbo state, has sparked debates about inclusivity and representation within the group.

The tenure of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, currently held in an acting capacity by Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, is set to expire on 10 January 2025.

However, a legal suit filed by former Imo State Governor, Dr Ikedi Ohakim, threatens to disrupt the process.

In suit number E/01M/2025, Ohakim sued Ohanaeze Ndigbo, its outgoing President-General Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, Secretary-General Amb. Okey Emuchay, and other prominent members, including Chief Ejiofor Onyia, Engr. Chidi Ibe, Mazi Okechukwu Ishiguzoro, and Chief Richard Ozubu.
Presiding over the case on Friday, 3 January, Justice N.R. Oji, after hearing arguments from Barr. Aloy Ejimakor, counsel for Ohakim, granted an order for all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.

The court order stated, “That the alternative prayer is hereby granted; parties to maintain status quo ante bellum in the matter pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

“Leave is hereby granted to the applicant for substituted service of the motion on notice by pasting it at the entrance gate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo headquarters at 7 Park Avenue, GRA Enugu.

“An order for abridgement of time is hereby granted for the hearing of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction on January 7, 2025.”

The case has been adjourned to January 7, 2025, for the hearing of the motion on notice, which will determine whether the proposed election will proceed or be suspended