A State High Court sitting in Enugu has issued an interim injunction barring the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, from considering former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, as a candidate in the January 10, 2025, election for the position of President-General.
The ruling came after a motion filed by Chimenu Amadi, representing the Indigenous Igbos of Rivers State. Amadi argued that Okiro, an indigene of Imo State, is ineligible for the role as only individuals from Rivers State are qualified to vie for the position under Ohanaeze’s constitution.
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The court’s decision declared Okiro’s candidacy invalid based on his state of origin, issuing an interim injunction to prevent his participation until a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction is heard and determined.
In a related development, the court authorized the Nze Ozichukwu-Chukwu-led committee to proceed with organizing the election for the President-General position. It also restrained key chieftains of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, including Chidi Ibe, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Richard Ozubu, from disrupting or interfering with the election process.
Legal filings by Aloy Ejimakor alleged that some factions within Ohanaeze Ndigbo had formed a parallel body, aiming to undermine the group’s constitution by turning the President-General race into a free-for-all contest. This, according to the motion, threatens to sow discord and lawlessness within the revered socio-cultural organization.
Ohanaeze’s constitution, particularly Article 11 governing the mode of election for the President-General, mandates that the role rotates among Igbo states and Igbo-speaking communities in Delta and Rivers States. The court emphasized maintaining the status quo until the interlocutory injunction motion is resolved.
The upcoming January 10 election will determine the successor to the late President-General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, whose tenure ended following his passing a few months ago. Fidelis Ozichukwu currently serves as interim leader, overseeing the organization’s affairs until the election day.
This court ruling has intensified attention on the election, setting the stage for a historic decision in Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leadership.
