I’ll Never Disown My Igbo Heritage – Ohanaeze President-General
Senator John Azuta-Mbata, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to his Igbo heritage despite recent criticisms. He described the backlash as a misunderstanding of his efforts to foster unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
Azuta-Mbata made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim group in Port Harcourt. Addressing the controversy surrounding his leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, he dismissed the criticisms as mere distractions from those who fail to grasp his vision. The opposition intensified following his emergence as the group’s leader, with some Ikwerre stakeholders in Rivers State condemning his appointment and stripping him of traditional titles.
Clarifying his stance, Azuta-Mbata emphasized his mission to connect the Igbo people to broader developmental opportunities. “My responsibility is to build bridges. No matter what is said, I will never deny my Igbo identity. Talk all you want, but my ancestry remains intact,” he asserted.
He also underscored the importance of national unity, pointing out that politics is played at a broader level beyond local sentiments. Expressing optimism, Azuta-Mbata stated that the controversy would eventually subside, allowing him to focus on his leadership objectives.
