Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the former Acting National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has been urged by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization to cease parading himself as the youth leader.
This advice was communicated in a statement issued by Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in Enugu.
Ogbonnia explained that Okpalaezeukwu had been instructed to return to his role as Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, but he continued to portray himself as the Acting National Leader of the Ohanaeze Youth wing.
He mentioned that a letter dated July 24, from Amb. Okey Emuchay, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, had directed Okpalaezeukwu to revert to his previous position.
In the statement, Ogbonnia quoted Emuchay admonishing Okpalaezeukwu, stating, “You are aware of the positions above you in the organization’s hierarchy, but you were granted the privilege to act as the Youth Leader for several months.”
Furthermore, it was recalled that the former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, had reinstated Mr. Damian Okafor as the National Youth Leader after an official visit to Ebonyi State.
Ogbonnia expressed concern that despite Okpalaezeukwu being relieved of his position as Acting National Youth Leader, he continued to assert his leadership, creating disruption within Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
On July 30, Okpalaezeukwu allegedly led a group of thugs to the National Headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, causing chaos and vandalizing the Secretariat.
Ogbonnia emphasized that Okpalaezeukwu’s actions were denounced and reported to authorities, yet he persistently misrepresented himself as the Acting National Youth Leader.
The legitimate National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, according to Ogbonnia, is Damian Okafor, who was democratically elected on August 5, 2021, after a competitive election with delegates from seven Igbo-speaking states.
Emuchay, therefore, declared Okpalaezeukwu as “persona non grata” and cautioned the public to avoid associating with him regarding Ohanaeze matters.
When approached for comment, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the factional Acting National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, refuted Alex Ogbonnia’s allegations, asserting his position as the youth leader.