By Brown Chimezie
December 14, 2024 would remain memorable for Ndigbo in Oyo State as members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, came together to elect their executives in a free and fair election.
It is on record that for many years Ndigbo was factionalised. But on that day, they threw away their differences to cast their votes. Members of the electoral committee that conducted the election included, Tallest Innocent Nwosu, Ndubuisi Okorie, Adol Okoli, Prince Tony Anyakudo, Nze Emeka Enwereonye, Harrison Umeh. Emeka Ogbonna, Ichie Tony Nedolisa and Pastor Timothy Ezudo.
Nwosu said that Igbo should take advantage of the peace and unity now existing among them: “Bringing different factions of Ndigbo in Oyo State to become one is not an easy task. Now we have agreed to be speaking with one voice, nobody should cause disaffection among us.
“If we are under one umbrella, we will attract respect and dignity. Because we are united and speaking with one voice, whatever we want from government will be easy to get. It would also be very easy for government to get to us through our leaders.”
Chief Okechukwu Umeh was elected President General; Evangelist Ijeoma Uchendu Women Leader; Peter Oji Innocent, Treasurer; Chima Onah, Youth Leader; Charles Obasi, Public Relations Officer; Uche Amajo, Legal Adviser; Chief Simon Chukwu, Chief Provost; Christopher Odoemena; Victor Osemeka Solomon; Friday Nwaji and Chief Onwe Mike Kalu as Welfare Officers.
Umeh declared no victor and no vanquish: “Everybody is a winner because we are brothers and sisters and what we have come here to do is for the good of all the Igbo living in Oyo State and even beyond.
“It is a very good thing that Igbo in Oyo State can now speak with one voice. We want to appreciate all those who made this possible. Where there is no peace, there can never be development.”
Onye Ndu Ndigbo of Oyo State, High Chief Aloy Obi, said: “I have been living in Ibadan, for more than 50 years. But today is one of my happiest days. The reason is because today is the day that Igbo come together to speak with one voice.
“There is nothing like peace and unity. Where there is peace, there is love and progress. I strongly feel that with the newfound peace among the Igbo in Oyo State, it is now the time to move forward.
“I strongly believe that the administration of Chief Okechukwu Umeh and his executives have all it takes to take Igbo to the next level. Some of us are now weakened by age but we can give advice. We can share experiences because we have been in the system.”