The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has raised concerns over the potential candidacy of former Inspector General of Police, Chief Mike Okiro, for the President General position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The group warns that Okiro's candidacy could exacerbate Igbo disunity for the next 100 years.
At the center of the controversy is Okiro's state of origin. While he initially enrolled in the Nigeria Police Force in 1977 with Rivers State as his state of origin, investigations reveal that he is actually from Imo State. Okiro's village, community, and Local Government are all located in Imo State, specifically in Ogwumankwu village, Obiakpu community, Egbema, Ohaji/Egbema LGA.
The OYC questions why Okiro, who is perceived as a Rivers man due to his professional affiliation, would indicate interest in running for the Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General position in 2021, during Imo's turn. The group accuses some politicians of persuading Okiro to abandon his principles and adopt a double standard, which would erode his personal integrity and bring discredit to the noble office of Ndigbo.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo election is scheduled to hold on January 10, 2025, with Rivers State expected to produce the next President General.¹ However, the OYC warns that Okiro's candidacy would pose a substantial threat to Igbo Unity, with far-reaching consequences for social and political structures.
The group advises Igbo elders and leaders to be mindful of the potential consequences of their actions and statements, which could lead to lasting divisions among the younger generation of Igbo people. The OYC emphasizes the importance of unity among Igbo ethnic groups and cautions against any actions that may exacerbate disunity.