A State High Court in Enugu has temporarily halted the candidacy of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, from contesting the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the upcoming election set for January 10, 2025.
The court issued an interim injunction following a motion filed by Chimenu Amadi, representing the Indigenous Igbos of Rivers State.
The motion argued that Okiro, being an indigene of Imo State, is not eligible to run for the position, as only indigenes of Rivers State are considered qualified under the group’s constitution.
The court’s ruling prevents Okiro from being recognized as a contestant for the role of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo while the matter is being further investigated.
This injunction will remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.
In addition, the court has authorised the Nze Ozichukwu-Chukwu-led committee to continue with preparations for the election, which will take place on January 10, and issued an injunction to prevent certain chieftains of Ohanaeze Ndigbo—such as Chidi Ibe, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Richard Ozubu—from disrupting or interfering with the election process.
These individuals were accused in a separate motion filed by Aloy Ejimakor of attempting to undermine the legitimacy of the election and sow division within the group.
The issue of Okiro’s eligibility centers on the rotational principle established in Article 11 of Ohanaeze’s constitution, which dictates that the presidency of the group rotates among the Igbo states, as well as Igbo-speaking areas in Delta and Rivers states.
This principle is central to the dispute, as it has led to claims that candidates from outside these designated areas should not contest for the presidency.
This court ruling comes ahead of the election, which is seen as crucial for determining the successor to the late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away earlier this year.
Iwuanyanwu’s passing led to the temporary appointment of Fidelis Ozichukwu, who is currently overseeing Ohanaeze’s affairs until the election on January 10.
