Ohanaeze Defends New Constitution, Says Review Was Transparent, Inclusive

BY EMMANUEL MGBEAHURIKE, Owerri

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has said the adoption of its new constitution followed a thorough, transparent and inclusive process that built on the work of previous administrations and reflected the collective aspirations of Ndigbo.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said the constitution review did not begin under the current leadership but was a continuation of efforts initiated during the administrations of Chief Nnia Nwodo, Prof. George Obiozor and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

In a statement, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, explained that the present leadership formally activated the review process during a retreat held in January 2025 at Nike Lake Resort.

According to him, a Constitution Review Committee chaired by Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN, with Chief Henry Akunebu, SAN, serving as secretary, was constituted and provided with all previous draft constitutions to ensure continuity and preserve institutional memory.

Chukwu said the committee comprised representatives from the seven Igbo-speaking states, the Diaspora, town unions, traditional rulers and professional bodies, adding that its draft constitution was circulated to all state chapters and affiliate organisations for review and comments.

He said the organisation also took steps to guarantee transparency and broad participation by publishing the draft in national newspapers and sharing it on Igbo WhatsApp platforms and other social media channels, while inviting contributions from all interested Igbos.

According to him, a public hearing was subsequently held at the Ohanaeze National Secretariat, where memoranda and recommendations were received from individuals, affiliate bodies and state chapters.

Chukwu further disclosed that the draft constitution was presented to the Imeobi on December 23, 2025, for consideration, after which members were given an additional three months to submit further observations and corrections.

He said that following the expiration of the three-month period, the Imeobi reconvened, adopted the final draft, and the General Assembly ratified it, thereby bringing the new constitution into force.

Ohanaeze reiterated its commitment to democratic principles, due process, inclusiveness and the collective interest of Ndigbo in all its actions.