By Karen James
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has unequivocally stated that he is not an Igbo man, affirming his Ikwerre identity during a media chat in Abuja on Sunday. This declaration came in response to questions regarding the emergence of John Azuta Mbata as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people.
Azuta Mbata, a former senator who represented Rivers East from 1999 to 2007, was elected President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on January 10, 2025, in Enugu State. His election follows the death of former President-General Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and the completion of Iwuanyanwu’s tenure by Fidelis Nze Chukwu.
Addressing discussions linking him to the Igbo ethnic group, Wike said, “I’m an Ikwerre man, not an Igbo man. I don’t have a problem with Igbo people. Azuta Mbata has the right to associate with anybody. I’m an unrepentant Ikwerre man, and I’m not a member of Ohanaeze. I will never, for anything, deny my identity just to be recognised.”
Azuta Mbata’s election marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo from Rivers State, located in South-South Nigeria. His tenure is expected to focus on fostering unity among the Igbo people and advancing the socio-cultural interests of the region.
Wike’s remarks have sparked reactions across the political and cultural landscape, highlighting the complex identity dynamics in Nigeria’s South-South and South-East regions. Meanwhile, Azuta Mbata has expressed his readiness to lead Ohanaeze Ndigbo in its mission to promote Igbo unity and heritage.
