A State High Court in Enugu has issued an interim injunction preventing the apex Igbo socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, from considering the candidacy of former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, in the January 10 election for the position of President-General.
This decision follows a motion filed by Chimenu Amadi, representing himself and the Indigenous Igbos of Rivers State, urging the court to disqualify Okiro on the grounds of ineligibility. The motion asserts that Okiro, an indigene of Imo State, is barred from contesting the position, which is reserved for Rivers State indigenes.
The court upheld the motion, granting an interim injunction based on Okiro’s state of origin. The injunction will remain in place pending the hearing and determination of the interlocutory motion.
Additionally, the court authorised the Nze Ozichukwu-Chukwu-led committee to oversee the election for the office of President-General scheduled for January 10, 2025. It also restrained certain Ohanaeze Ndigbo chieftains from disrupting or interfering with the election process.
A separate motion, filed by Aloy Ejimakor against Chidi Ibe, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Richard Ozubu (5th to 7th respondents), highlighted concerns over a deliberate attempt to create discord and lawlessness within the group. The motion claims that a parallel body, formed without lawful authority, seeks to undermine the group’s constitution by making the presidency contest open to all, contrary to Article 11, which mandates rotational eligibility among Igbo states and Igbo-speaking communities of Delta and Rivers States.
The court directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the interlocutory motion is heard.
On January 10, 2025, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will elect a new President-General following the tenure of the late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. Iwuanyanwu, who passed away months ago, was succeeded by Fidelis Ozichukwu, who will preside over the group’s affairs until the election.