Asagba of Asaba Calls for United Igbo Voice at Ohanaeze Delta Forum

 Asagba of Asaba Calls for United Igbo Voice at Ohanaeze Delta Forum The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, ...

 Asagba of Asaba Calls for United Igbo Voice at Ohanaeze Delta Forum

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, on September 20, 2026, called for a single, united Igbo socio-cultural body capable of speaking with one strong voice on issues affecting Ndigbo.

The monarch made the appeal at a Public Enlightenment Forum organised by the Delta State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide at the Grand Hotel, Asaba. The event was themed “Understanding Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Its Mandate, Activities and Roles.”

Azinge stressed that other major ethnic groups in Nigeria including Arewa, PANDEF and Yoruba socio-cultural platforms operate through coherent structures that advance their collective interests. He urged Ndigbo to overcome internal divisions and reject what he described as a “divide and rule” tendency that has weakened their position.

He expressed concern over the proliferation of pan-Igbo groups issuing conflicting statements and described Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide as the apex organisation. Other groups, he said, should align with its leadership in the interest of unity and progress.

The Asagba also proposed that Ohanaeze adopt Igbo as the principal language of communication at its gatherings to promote the language and culture and to strengthen ties among neighbouring Igbo communities. He charged the Delta State chapter to involve traditional rulers of Igbo extraction in the state, particularly on matters of language, culture and community development.

Azinge recalled his earlier service on Ohanaeze committees before ascending the throne and commended President-General Senator Azuta Mbata and the Global Executive Council for efforts to safeguard Igbo identity. He noted the long involvement of Asaba sons and daughters in the organisation, from the era of Chief Dennis Osadebay to current figures such as Dr. Ngozi Olejeme and Deputy Secretary-General Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu.

Earlier, national leaders of Ohanaeze paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba at his palace before proceeding to the forum.

Secretary-General Chief Emeka Sibeudu, a former deputy governor of Anambra State, delivered the keynote address, outlining the organisation’s history, mandate and current programmes. These include a Professorial Endowment Chair, scholarships and bursaries for 200 students studying Igbo language in tertiary institutions.

Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Global Publicity Secretary, represented Senator Mbata. He commended the Delta chapter and urged Ndigbo to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to dialogue and constitutional processes. Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu and Delta State President Chief Benjamin Igumbor also spoke, reaffirming support for the national leadership.

Leaders from Rivers, Enugu, Anambra and other states attended, alongside professionals and community stakeholders from Delta. Participants emphasised language preservation, organisational unity and cooperation with the wider Nigerian society.

The forum underscored both cultural affinity across the Niger and the continuing debate over identity and political alignment in Anioma communities. The Asagba’s call for one coordinated Igbo voice came against that backdrop.

Family Writers Press International.