In a high-profile meeting between former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, discussions centered around critical issues, prominently the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and the prevailing insecurity in the South-East region.
The closed-door meeting, held at Obasanjo’s Owerri, Imo State residence, involved Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Chief Okey Emuchay, the Secretary-General of the Igbo socio-cultural organization.
The Secretary-General, in a statement released on Saturday, emphasized the significance of the meeting, describing it as “very symbolic and crucial.” The discussions, which spanned several hours, were deemed fruitful, with the outcomes expected to have a positive impact on the Igbo community globally.
Emuchay revealed that the meeting covered matters of “mutual interest,” expressing gratitude to Obasanjo for his contributions during the civil war, notably his role in proclaiming “no victor, no vanquished.” Acknowledging Obasanjo’s diplomatic initiatives and economic rejuvenation during his presidency, Iwuanyanwu suggested erecting monuments in the former president’s name, highlighting the sense of belonging provided to the Igbo nation during Obasanjo’s tenure.
Addressing concerns over the detention of Nnamdi Kanu and the region’s security challenges, the source present at the meeting disclosed that the leaders discussed these issues thoroughly.
The Ohanaeze leaders assured that Kanu’s release and the security challenges in the South-East were given due attention and that more details would be disclosed by Ohanaeze leadership in due course.
Accompanying Obasanjo during the visit were prominent figures, including Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, the Asiwaju of Owo Kingdom, and other Igbo leaders like Ambassador Kema Chikwe, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, Chief Fidelis Ozichukwu, and Chief Tony Ukasanya.
Iwuanyanwu, a vocal advocate against the alleged marginalization of the region, has consistently called for an end to such practices and the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu. The IPOB leader was arrested and extradited to Nigeria from Kenya, facing charges of treasonable felony, following years of advocating for the independent Republic of Biafra. Kanu has been appearing in court from the custody of the Department of State Services since his return.
