A State High Court in Enugu has issued an interim injunction barring former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro from contesting in the January 10 election for the President-General position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-political group.
The ruling came after Chimenu Amadi, representing himself and the Indigenous Igbos of Rivers State, filed a motion arguing that Okiro, being an indigene of Imo State, is ineligible for the role, which is reserved for Rivers State indigenes.
The court’s decision halts Okiro’s candidacy on grounds of ineligibility tied to his state of origin until the motion for interlocutory injunction is resolved.
Additionally, the court authorized the Nze Ozichukwu-Chukwu-led committee to oversee the election and issued an injunction preventing certain group members from disrupting the process.
This directive followed a motion by Aloy Ejimakor, who accused some Ohanaeze chieftains of attempting to destabilize the group by forming a parallel body and violating its constitution.
According to Article 11 of Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s election guidelines, the presidency must rotate among Igbo states and Igbo-speaking communities in Delta and Rivers States.
The court emphasized the need to maintain the status quo pending further hearings.
The upcoming election will fill the position left vacant by the late President-General Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, whose term expired after his passing.
Fidelis Ozichukwu currently leads the group in an acting capacity and will do so until January 10, 2025.
