The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has strongly rejected calls from certain Igbo leaders to appoint an interim President General following the passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. This suggestion, which emerged after the deaths of both Iwuanyanwu and his deputy, Chief Joel Kroham, was deemed by Ohanaeze as inconsistent with Igbo customs and traditions.

Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, criticized the push for a leadership transition before Iwuanyanwu’s burial. He emphasized that discussions about succession at this time are inappropriate and disrespectful to Igbo culture, particularly given the involvement of titled individuals.

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Ogbonnia reassured that the organization’s leadership remains stable under the National Executive Committee (NEC), a body comprised of seasoned experts.

Okey Emuchay, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the NEC’s capability to guide the organization through this transitional period. He urged the Igbo community to focus on Chief Iwuanyanwu’s funeral, set for November 1, 2024, with leadership matters to be addressed respectfully after the burial.