–FAIR Says Honouring Rotational Convention Is For The Sake Of Igbo Unity
The upcoming 2025 Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Presidency election is poised to be a significant event for Igbo leadership and unity, underscoring the need for fairness and adherence to the long-standing rotational convention.
According to the Forum for the Advancement of Igbo Race (FAIR), this election is not simply a choice of leadership but a commitment to values that bind the Igbo people together.
FAIR emphasised through a statement jointly signed by Bar. Sir Chibuzo Ubochi and Bar. Sylvester Onwudiwe, Chairman and Secretary of FAIR respectively that by respecting the established rotation of the Ohanaeze Presidency, Igbo unity and collective progress are upheld.
“In this reflective period, FAIR joins the Igbo community in honouring the legacy of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, whose lifelong commitment to Igbo unity and cultural pride left an indelible mark on the Igbo people.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu’s burial on November 1, 2024, in Imo State will be a solemn occasion to commemorate his contributions. FAIR extends its condolences, recognizing his enduring influence and dedication to the principles of self-determination, fairness, and equality,” FAIR said in the statement.
The Forum calls for strict adherence to the rotational convention in the 2025 election, underscoring Rivers State’s turn to produce the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, noting that this rotational structure is crucial to maintaining trust, inclusivity, and the spirit of equity that defines the Igbo community.
The organization firmly opposes any tenure extension from Imo State and emphasizes that the election process must remain independent, fair, and free from external political manipulation.
In further support of a transparent election, FAIR advocates for clarity in delegate selection and the release of a verified list of delegates with photographs ahead of the election, and endorses re-establishing the 2017 electoral standards to ensure an equitable process and preservation of Ohanaeze’s integrity.
Recognizing the importance of the Igbo Diaspora, FAIR encourages their involvement in the election to amplify global Igbo representation, noting that while alive, Chief Iwuanyanwu valued the role of the Diaspora in advancing Igbo interests, and FAIR sees their participation as crucial to strengthening Ohanaeze’s global reach and influence.
As the election approaches, FAIR remains optimistic that the 2025 Ohanaeze election will reflect Chief Iwuanyanwu’s vision of a united, just, and strong Ala Igbo, arguing that a seamless and transparent transition in Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo’s leadership, will set an example of Igbo integrity, guiding the community toward deeper cohesion and progress.
FAIR, a non-partisan, pro-democratic Igbo think tank, continues to champion Igbo interests through advocacy, education, and representation globally.
For more information, interested persons of Igbo descent can join or partner with FAIR by visiting www.igbofacts.com or contacting fair.igbofacts@gmail.com.
