The Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, the apex decision-making body of the Ikwerre ethnic nationality in Rivers State, has announced the withdrawal of all honours, recognitions, and titles previously bestowed on Senator John Azuta-Mbata, the newly elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The group also barred Senator Azuta-Mbata, who represented Rivers East Senatorial District from 1999 to 2007, from participating in activities in Ikwerre land, including community meetings and political representation.
This decision extends to his hometown, Eneka Community in Apara Kingdom.
The Ikwerre leadership accused Azuta-Mbata of committing “sacrilege” against Ikwerre land by accepting the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people.
In their view, his decision signifies a renunciation of his Ikwerre identity, rendering him “a total stranger” in the community.
In a statement jointly signed by the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, Eze Barr. Godspower Onuekwa, and Secretary General, Barr. Nyebuchi Philips, the group expressed strong disapproval of Azuta-Mbata’s actions:
“By becoming the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata has willingly and freely renounced his membership and identity as an Ikwerre person (Iwhuruohna).
“His decision to contest and emerge as the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was not the collective view, will, position, or thinking of the Eneka community, Apara Kingdom, and the Ikwerre ethnic nationality.”
The statement emphasized that Azuta-Mbata’s decision was personal and lacked the consent of the Ikwerre community.
As a result, Ogbakor Ikwerre announced that all titles and honours previously awarded to Azuta-Mbata by Ikwerre organizations have been revoked.
He is barred from attending gatherings, meetings, or representing Ikwerre in any capacity.
The group also called on the international community, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and traditional leaders to recognize that Senator Azuta-Mbata no longer represents Ikwerre interests.
The organization warned that severe sanctions await anyone who betrays or compromises their Ikwerre identity for political gain, citing the need to uphold their customs and traditions.