The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has welcomed a proposed partnership with Otu Oka-Iwu, an association of Igbo lawyers, to strengthen legal advocacy for Igbo development, constitutional restructuring, legislative reforms and the protection of Igbo interests.
The Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, August 27, 2026, following the reception of a delegation of Otu Oka-Iwu led by its Abuja President, Sir Chidi Udekwe, Esq., by the President-General of Ohanaeze, Senator Azuta-Mbata, at his residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to Chukwu, the delegation was in Port Harcourt for the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference and used the courtesy visit to convey the solidarity and goodwill of Igbo legal practitioners across the country.
During the engagement, Otu Oka-Iwu expressed its readiness to deploy its professional expertise in support of the Ohanaeze agenda, particularly in legal advocacy, protection of Igbo interests and businesses, human rights, constitutional reforms and legislative engagement.
The lawyers identified the protection of Igbo-owned businesses and investments as a key area requiring stronger legal intervention, particularly in situations involving alleged discriminatory policies, arbitrary levies, demolitions and other practices capable of undermining legitimate economic activities of Ndigbo across Nigeria.
They also identified constitutional restructuring and legislative advocacy as important areas for collaboration with Ohanaeze, noting that the legal profession could contribute professional expertise to the ongoing debate on building a more equitable and restructured Nigerian federation.
The proposed partnership, Chukwu said, would also support legislative initiatives aimed at advancing the economic, political and social interests of Ndigbo while promoting justice and fairness for all citizens.
Another area highlighted during the meeting was the protection of the fundamental rights and welfare of Igbo youths and communities. The lawyers expressed their willingness to provide legal expertise where necessary to promote access to justice and protect citizens against unlawful treatment and other forms of injustice.
The delegation further briefed Senator Azuta-Mbata on the apprenticeship and mentorship model adopted by Otu Oka-Iwu for young lawyers in Abuja. The initiative is designed to provide practical professional development and prepare a new generation of competent legal practitioners.
Chukwu said Senator Azuta-Mbata welcomed the initiative and pledged his support.
Responding to the delegation, Senator Azuta-Mbata thanked the lawyers for the courtesy visit and commended Otu Oka-Iwu for recognising the importance of professional collaboration in advancing the interests of Ndigbo and Nigeria at large.
The Ohanaeze President-General said the challenges confronting Ndigbo required the collective contribution of professionals, intellectuals, business leaders, political actors and other stakeholders.
He welcomed the willingness of Otu Oka-Iwu to partner with Ohanaeze, stressing that the legal profession had a particularly important role to play in translating the legitimate aspirations of the people into effective advocacy, sound policy and enforceable rights.
Senator Azuta-Mbata assured the delegation that Ohanaeze Ndigbo would continue to welcome credible professional partnerships capable of strengthening the organisation’s capacity to serve and protect the collective interests of Ndigbo.
He also encouraged Otu Oka-Iwu to sustain its commitment to mentorship, professionalism and service to the Igbo nation.
The delegation included Sir Chidi Udekwe, Esq., President of Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja; Joseph Ekwueme of the Rivers State Chapter; Innocent Onyeukwu of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter; Chukwuma Obi, Welfare Secretary, Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja, as well as other members of the Rivers and Akwa Ibom State chapters.
Senator Azuta-Mbata received the delegation in the company of Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
