An Enugu State High Court has issued an interim injunction barring the Igbo socio-political organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, from entertaining the candidacy of former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, in the upcoming January 10 election for the office of the President-General.
The ruling follows a motion filed by Chimenu Amadi, acting for himself and on behalf of the Indigenous Igbos of Rivers State.
Amadi contended that Okiro, an indigene of Imo State, is ineligible to contest for the presidency, as the position is reserved for individuals from Rivers State in accordance with the group’s rotational leadership policy.
The court, presided over by Justice Okoroafor, restrained Okiro’s candidacy pending the hearing and determination of the motion for interlocutory injunction.
The court also affirmed the mandate of the Nze Ozichukwu-Chukwu-led electoral committee to conduct the election as scheduled while warning other chieftains of Ohanaeze Ndigbo against interfering or disrupting the process.
In a separate motion, Aloy Ejimakor petitioned the court to restrain Chidi Ibe, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Richard Ozubu—identified as the 5th to 7th respondents—from creating discord and lawlessness within the organization.
Ejimakor argued that the trio formed a parallel faction with the intent to undermine the group’s constitution by throwing the contest for the presidency open, contrary to Article 11 of the organization’s election guidelines.
According to Article 11, the office of the President-General is to be rotated among the Igbo states, including the Igbo-speaking communities in Delta and Rivers states.
The court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
The election, set for January 10, 2025, will determine the successor to the late President-General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Iwuanyanwu’s tenure was completed posthumously by Fidelis Ozichukwu, who has been overseeing the group’s affairs since his demise earlier this year.