History of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

By 1943, the organization expanded to cover the entire Eastern Region of Nigeria and was renamed the Igbo Federal Union. This union played a vital role in fostering Igbo consciousness and unity. One of its prominent executives was Chief Binyerem Onwukamuche Nwammo Eluwa, who later authored the historical book Ado-na-Idu (History of Igbo Origin).

In 1948, a major pan-Igbo conference was held in Port Harcourt, bringing together Igbo elites and intellectuals. This led to the formation of the Igbo State Union, with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as its first president. The union focused on promoting Igbo interests in education, commerce, and governance. However, under the leadership of General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi, all political and ethnic organizations, including the Igbo State Union, were banned in May 1966.

The Post-Civil War Era and the Formation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

After the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and the 1966 anti-Igbo pogrom, Igbo leaders recognized the need for a new organization that would unify and protect the Igbo people. This led to the creation of the Igbo National Assembly (INA), which was later banned by the military government due to fears of separatist movements.

Undeterred, Igbo intellectuals regrouped and, in 1976, established the Igbo Forum with Dr. Akanu Ibiam as Chairman, Justice Daddy Onyeama as Vice Chairman, Chief Jerome Oputa Udoji as Secretary General, and Mr. Jacob Ukeje Agwu as Assistant Secretary. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe served as the patron of the organization.

By 1979, the Igbo Forum was officially renamed Ohanaeze Ndigbo, with Dr. Francis Akanu Ibiam as its first President-General. The organization was further strengthened by the contributions of eminent Igbo personalities, including Professor Ben Nwabueze, who played a crucial role in its formation and served as Deputy President. Other notable figures who supported the organization included Kingsley Mbadiwe, Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara, Dr. Pius Okigbo, and Chief Jerome Udorji.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the Modern Era

Since its inception, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has grown into the most recognized Igbo socio-cultural organization, advocating for Igbo unity, cultural preservation, political representation, and economic development. The organization has played key roles in national discourse, peacebuilding, and the protection of Igbo rights and interests both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.

The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has continued to evolve. In July 2024, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the then President-General, passed away. Following this, Fidelis Chukwu was appointed as the interim President-General in December 2024. Subsequently, on January 10, 2025, Senator John Azuta-Mbata was elected as the new President-General, ushering in a new phase of leadership and commitment to the Igbo cause.

Today, Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains a pillar of Igbo unity, progress, and cultural identity, with chapters across Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other parts of the world. Its mission continues to be the protection, empowerment, and advancement of the Igbo people.