The South-South Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has strongly endorsed former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, as the rightful candidate to lead the apex Igbo socio-cultural body. The announcement comes in response to swirling media rumors that have raised questions about Okiro’s heritage and his eligibility for the position.
In a bold statement issued at a press conference in Owerri, Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, the South-South Zonal Coordinator of Ohanaeze, vehemently countered accusations suggesting that Okiro might not have valid roots in Rivers State — the region where the presidency of the organization has been zoned. “Mike Okiro is a legitimate son of Rivers,” Arthur-Ugwa affirmed, dismissing claims that have cast doubts over the former police chief’s origin.
Critics, including Mr. Igboanyaka Igboanyaka, had publicly questioned whether Okiro could be considered an indigene of Rivers, specifically due to his ancestral ties in the nearby Obiakpu town in Imo State. Arthur-Ugwa, however, dismissed these arguments as baseless, emphasizing that Okiro’s family has long been settled in Okwuzi, a boundary town straddling the two states.
“Okiro hails from Okwuzi Town in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers, a place known for its interconnected ties with Imo State. His family established roots and cultivated land in the neighboring Obiakpu area, further solidifying his rightful claim to his Rivers heritage,” explained Arthur-Ugwa.
The endorsement comes as the presidency of Ohanaeze has been the subject of heated internal politics. As the influential Igbo socio-cultural group prepares for its next leadership transition, some members are calling for unity and for a departure from distractions. Arthur-Ugwa was firm in his condemnation of the political maneuvering by detractors, calling it an “unnecessary politics of rancor.”
“These are politically motivated individuals who wish to disrupt our unity,” Arthur-Ugwa said of those spreading doubts about Okiro’s legitimacy. “They are not truly concerned with the well-being of Ohanaeze or the Igbo people, but with self-serving interests. We will not allow this form of destabilization to interfere with our goal of electing a capable leader.”
A pivotal aspect of this ongoing debate is the shifting political landscape within Ohanaeze. In a move many considered a progressive step, the organization recently ceded the position of President-General to the South-South region — a decision that was meant to foster inclusivity and broaden regional participation. According to Arthur-Ugwa, Rivers has been designated as the state from which the next President-General will emerge, and that is why it is imperative that Okiro’s candidacy be embraced.
“We call on everyone to focus on the bigger picture. Ohanaeze’s future and the greater good of Igbo nation-building must come first. Rivers State has been given the mandate to produce a candidate for the presidency, and Okiro stands as the clear, most qualified choice,” said Arthur-Ugwa.
The South-South Youth Wing went further in stressing its deep respect and admiration for Okiro, describing him as a “father figure” and “mentor.” The youths were quick to distance themselves from “self-imposed factions” and “faceless youth groups” seeking attention through unverified claims. “Our support for Okiro is unshaken,” Arthur-Ugwa declared, reiterating that these claims had no grounding in reality.
Reflecting the unity of purpose within the South-South region, the youth wing issued a clear message to the wider Ohanaeze community to back Okiro in the upcoming elections. “We urge all our members to stand with Okiro,” Arthur-Ugwa appealed. “His experience and leadership qualities are critical for the path ahead, especially at this juncture in our shared history.”
Support for Okiro’s candidacy has been robust, especially considering his track record of service. The former police chief is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected law enforcement officials. Under his leadership as the Inspector General of Police, the country witnessed significant reforms in the police force, earning him admiration across political and ethnic lines. His candidacy for Ohanaeze President-General is seen as a unifying move — something that many hope will stabilize the organization after years of internal leadership struggles.
The controversy, however, is a reminder of the broader dynamics at play within Ohanaeze and Igbo politics. As the quest for leadership within the organization intensifies, similar political challenges could be expected across regional factions as they battle for supremacy. Nonetheless, the endorsement of Okiro by the South-South youth presents a promising step toward resolving some of these tensions, aligning the group around a singular candidate who commands both respect and experience.
At the heart of the South-South Youth Wing’s message is a call for cohesion. “We stand firmly behind the values of unity and collective advancement that Ohanaeze represents,” Arthur-Ugwa remarked. “Let us leave behind divisive politics and focus on the bright future we can all build together.”
