The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has officially disowned Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the former acting President of its Youth Wing, labeling him as “persona non grata.”

This designation which means that Okpalaezeukwu is no longer considered fit to represent the organization due to his alleged unfaithfulness and failure to align with the core values of Ohanaeze.

According to the PUNCH, a public statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, advised the public to distance themselves from Okpalaezeukwu. The statement warned that any dealings with him regarding Ohanaeze matters would be at one’s own risk.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide also announced the reinstatement of Damian Okafor as the National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, effectively replacing Okpalaezeukwu.

The statement noted, “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide wishes to inform the general public that Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the former acting National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has been directed to revert to his position as the Secretary-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing.”

The directive was communicated to Okpalaezeukwu in a letter dated July 24, 2024, by Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

The statement also highlighted that prior to this directive, former President General Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu had reinstated Damian Okafor as the National Youth Leader following an official visit to Ebonyi State. This decision was reportedly supported by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze.

Despite these developments, the Ohanaeze Youth Wing has resisted the decision. Following an emergency meeting of its National Executive Committee on Friday, the Youth Wing issued a communique stating that Okpalaezeukwu remains their leader.

The communique, read by Youth Wing Publicity Secretary Chika Art-Adiele and endorsed by 23 out of 24 NEC members, insisted that Okpalaezeukwu would remain the acting national leader until a new leader from Ebonyi State is elected.