The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the foremost Igbo socio-cultural organization, has formally disowned Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the former acting President of its Youth Wing, declaring him “persona non grata.”

This designation reflects the organization’s view that Okpalaezeukwu is no longer suitable to represent Ohanaeze due to alleged unfaithfulness and a failure to align with the organization’s core values.

However, the Ohanaeze Youth Wing has challenged this decision, asserting that Okpalaezeukwu remains their leader. In a public disclaimer issued on Wednesday, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, urged the public to distance themselves from Mr. Okpalaezeukwu. The organization cautioned that any dealings with him related to Ohanaeze matters would be at the individual’s own risk.

The organization also announced the reinstatement of Mr. Damian Okafor as the National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, effectively replacing Okpalaezeukwu.

According to the statement, “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide wishes to inform the general public that Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the erstwhile acting National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has long been directed to revert to his position as the Secretary-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing.”

The directive, issued by Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on July 24, 2024, reminded Okpalaezeukwu of his temporary status as acting Youth Leader, stating, “You are aware that there exist positions above you in the hierarchy of the organization, but you were granted a privilege to act as the Youth Leader for several months.”

Prior to this directive, former President General Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu had already reinstated Mr. Damian Okafor as National Youth Leader following an official visit to Ebonyi State, a decision communicated to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze.

The statement also expressed surprise that despite Okpalaezeukwu’s removal from the acting Youth Leader position, “it appears that another ‘Ohanaeze’ monster has been created.”

In response, in an emergency meeting held on Friday, the National Executive Committee of the Ohanaeze Youth Wing issued a communique affirming Okpalaezeukwu as their leader. Publicity Secretary Chika Art-Adiele, speaking on behalf of 23 out of 24 NEC members of the Youth Wing, insisted that Okpalaezeukwu would remain their acting National Leader until a formal election is held to choose a new leader from Ebonyi State.