Ohanaeze Crisis: Chief Izuekwe Blames Profiteers, Says Battle May Reach Supreme Court 

KINGSLEY EBERE 

Chief Cyriacus Izuekwe, former Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Ogene Ndigbo, has alleged that internal profiteers are responsible for fueling the lingering leadership crisis in the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization in Lagos State.

Speaking on the matter, Chief Izuekwe said the crisis continues not because of the principal leaders, but due to the actions of some members benefiting from the division on both sides.

“Let me say this, it is some of us that are part of the problems in Ohanaeze on both sides,” Chief Cyriacus Izuekwe stated. “Not Oba Ojoto, Onowu, Ubochi, Obasi.”

According to him, the leadership tussle has exposed double standards among stakeholders who speak differently depending on the audience they are addressing.

“It is in this Ohanaeze matter that some speak in different tongues,” he said, accusing certain individuals of fueling discord for personal gain while pretending to seek peace in public.

Chief Izuekwe said he has given the issue serious thought and believes the solution lies in direct dialogue among the key figures without intermediaries.

“I have had serious thoughts and wondered why Oba Ojoto, Onowu, Ubochi, Obasi can’t discuss under a bottle of beer and end this matter,” he noted.

He identified the root cause as profiteering, alleging that some elders and stakeholders are deliberately encouraging both factions not to reach an agreement because they benefit from the chaos.

“Some people are benefiting from the crisis encouraging both parties not to agree,” he stated. “Elders are part of the problem.”

The former Publicity Secretary concluded that the organization has been reduced to a commercial venture for a few individuals who use it for personal relevance and financial gain.

“It is now I know that Ohanaeze is a business enterprise for some people,” Chief Cyriacus Izuekwe said.

He warned that the legal battle could extend for years, citing the financial capacity of the parties involved and the likelihood of appeals at every level.

“This thing will drag on for the next four years. Oba Ojoto has the capacity with deep pocket to sustain the battle. If Ubochi’s group wins at the High Court, Oba Ojoto will appeal it and it will escalate to the Supreme Court level. If Oba Ojoto wins, Ubochi group will appeal as well. So why don’t we think,” he asked.