Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has defended the adoption of its new Constitution, insisting that the document emerged from a transparent, inclusive and due process-driven review that built on the work of successive leaderships rather than the current administration alone.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, said the Constitution was the product of extensive consultations across the Igbo nation and the Diaspora.
According to him, the review process began long before the current leadership, consolidating the constitutional reforms initiated under the administrations of former Presidents-General Chief Nnia Nwodo, Prof. George Obiozor, and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
“The adoption of the new Constitution was the culmination of a thorough, transparent and inclusive process that built on the efforts of previous administrations and reflected the collective aspirations of Ndigbo,” Chukwu said.
He explained that shortly after assuming office, the current leadership formally activated the review process during its retreat held in January 2025 at Nike Lake Resort, where a Constitution Review Committee was inaugurated.
According to the statement, the committee was chaired by Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), with Chief Henry Akunebu (SAN) serving as secretary. It was also provided with all previous draft constitutions prepared by former Ohanaeze administrations to ensure continuity and preserve institutional memory.
Chukwu stated that the committee’s membership reflected the diversity of the Igbo nation, comprising representatives from the seven Igbo-speaking states, the Diaspora, traditional rulers, town unions and professional bodies.
To encourage wider participation, he said the draft Constitution was circulated to state chapters and affiliate organisations for review and comments before being published in national newspapers and shared across Igbo WhatsApp platforms and social media channels to enable all interested stakeholders to make inputs.
“In furtherance of transparency and public engagement, the draft was published in national newspapers and disseminated through Igbo WhatsApp platforms and social media channels, inviting contributions from all interested Igbos,” he said.
The spokesperson further disclosed that Ohanaeze organised a public hearing at its National Secretariat, where memoranda and recommendations were received from individuals, affiliate organisations and state chapters.
Following the consultations, the draft Constitution was presented to the Imeobi on December 23, 2025, for deliberation and adoption.
According to Chukwu, members of the Imeobi were subsequently granted an additional three months to submit observations and corrections before the body reconvened to adopt the final draft.
“At the expiration of this period, the Imeobi reconvened, adopted the final draft, and the General Assembly duly ratified it, thereby bringing the Constitution into force,” he added.
Reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to good governance, Chukwu stressed that Ohanaeze would continue to uphold democratic values, transparency and inclusiveness in all its activities.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide remains committed to democratic principles, due process, inclusiveness, and the collective interest of Ndigbo in all its undertakings,” he stated.
