Inclusivity, Transparency Guided Adoption Of New Constitution

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has clarified that the adoption of its new constitution was the culmination of a thorough, transparent and inclusive process that built on the efforts of previous administrations and reflected the collective aspirations of Ndigbo.

This was contained in a statement by the national publicity secretary of the organisation, Dr Ezechi Chukwu.

According to the statement, the constitution review process did not begin with the current leadership. Rather, it consolidated the significant groundwork laid under the administrations of Chief Nnia Nwodo, Prof. George Obiozor and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. Upon assumption of office, the current administration formally activated the process during its retreat held in January 2025 at Nike Lake Resort.

A Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN, with Chief Henry Akunebu, SAN, serving as secretary, was constituted. The committee was provided with all previous draft constitutions developed under former presidents-general to ensure continuity and institutional memory.

To guarantee broad participation, the committee comprised representatives from the seven Igbo-speaking states, the diaspora, town unions, traditional rulers and professional bodies. The draft constitution was subsequently circulated to all state chapters and affiliate organisations for review and comments.

The organisation stated that, in furtherance of transparency and public engagement, the draft was published in national newspapers and disseminated through Igbo WhatsApp platforms and social media channels, inviting contributions from all interested Igbos.

A public hearing was also conducted at the Ohanaeze National Secretariat, where memoranda and recommendations were received from individuals, affiliate bodies and state chapters. Thereafter, the draft constitution was presented to the Imeobi on December 23, 2025, for consideration and adoption.

Following its deliberations, members were granted an additional period of three months to submit further observations and corrections. At the expiration of this period, the Imeobi reconvened, adopted the final draft, and the General Assembly duly ratified it, thereby bringing the constitution into force.

The statement further said that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide remains committed to democratic principles, due process, inclusiveness and the collective interest of Ndigbo in all its undertakings.