Ohanaeze Urges Diaspora-Based Igbo Leaders to Return Home
- Jan 26
- 1 min read
A faction of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on prominent Igbo leaders living abroad to return to the South-East in 2026, warning that their continued absence is worsening the region’s political, economic, and cultural challenges.
The appeal was made in Abakaliki by the Deputy President General of the faction, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who said more than 250 influential Igbo leaders in the diaspora are being urged to reconnect physically with their homeland. He described the move as a necessary step to reverse what he called the steady decline of Igbo leadership values and communal cohesion.
According to Isiguzoro, the prolonged stay of respected elder statesmen outside the country has weakened traditional leadership structures and reduced collective guidance at a time when the South-East is grappling with insecurity and social instability.
He specifically appealed to retired political, military, and diplomatic leaders aged 65 years and above to return to Igboland and lend their experience to rebuilding efforts. He stressed that their presence would help mentor younger leaders and restore confidence in regional leadership.
Several prominent Igbo figures in the diaspora were mentioned, including Emeka Anyaoku, Vice Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe, Admiral Allison Madueke, General Ike Nwachukwu, Achike Udenwa, and John Nnia Nwodo, among others.
Isiguzoro maintained that meaningful progress in the South-East would remain difficult as long as its most experienced leaders continue to reside abroad, adding that their return could play a critical role in addressing insecurity and strengthening political and cultural institutions in the region.
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