The Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization’s president-general, Eze Godspower Onuekwa, has issued a firm statement regarding the Ikwerre people’s unique ethnic identity. Long-standing concerns about the cultural history and ancestry of the Ikwerre people are addressed in this declaration. A noteworthy video statement that was posted on Symfoni TV contained the message.
Onuekwa, who is considered an expert on the subject of cultural identity, made the following statement with a strong emphasis: “First of all, I want to inform you that Ikwerre as an ethnic nationality is not Igbo.” As arguments over ethnic classifications in Nigeria’s complex cultural environment continue, this proclamation comes at a time when such conversations are still underway.
It was said by the cultural leader that “Ikwerre nationality is never a subgroup of any ethnic nation in Nigeria or elsewhere.” This statement was made in order to emphasise the independent character of the Ikwerre identity. This declaration confronts and refutes any accusations that other ethnic groups are subservient to it in a forthright manner.
The following is an explanation of the geographical background that Onuekwa provided: “The Ikwerre ethnic nationality is one of the ethnic blocks that constitute the present-day Nigeria, and the people are found in four local government areas in the present-day Rivers State.”
In a statement that further reaffirmed the cohesiveness of the Ikwerre people, the President-General said, “Ikwerre continues to be a homogenous ethnic group with a common ancestry and paternity.” This proclamation highlights the different cultural and historical heritage that the Ikwerre people have inherited from their ancestors.
At a time when problems of cultural autonomy and ethnic identity continue to play key roles in Nigeria’s social and political discourse, this comment comes at a time when these aspects are being discussed. A great amount of clarity about the position of this large Rivers State ethnic community within Nigeria’s complex cultural mosaic has been provided by the unambiguous articulation of Ikwerre’s autonomous ethnic identity by their cultural leader.