The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has advised Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the former Acting National Youth Leader, to stop parading himself as the youth leader of the group. According to a statement by Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Okpalaezeukwu was directed to revert to his original position as Secretary-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing. Despite this directive, Okpalaezeukwu has continued to claim the role of Acting National Youth Leader.
Ogbonnia noted that Amb. Okey Emuchay, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, had previously communicated this decision to Okpalaezeukwu in a letter dated July 24. The letter emphasized that Okpalaezeukwu had been given the privilege to act as the Youth Leader for a temporary period but was now expected to step down.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted that Damian Okafor is the duly elected National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, having won a democratic election on August 5, 2021. Despite this, Okpalaezeukwu has allegedly continued to disrupt the organization, even reportedly invading the National Headquarters with thugs, causing damage and harm.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has declared Okpalaezeukwu a persona non grata, warning the public to distance themselves from him on matters related to Ohanaeze. In response, Okpalaezeukwu has dismissed the claims and maintains that he remains the youth leader.
