A groundbreaking new book, Ohanaeze @ 50: The Burden of Memory, The Politics of Relevance, authored by Agbeze Ireke Kalu Onuma (AI-KO), is set for public presentation in Lagos, with Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti (OFR), confirmed as Special Guest of Honour.
The 600-page scholarly work, painstakingly researched over fifteen years, offers the most comprehensive biographical reflection yet on Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost Igbo socio-political institution founded in 1976 in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War.
The book critically examines five decades of Ohanaeze’s role in politics, economics, culture, internal governance, and diaspora engagement. It interrogates whether the institution has truly been the “voice of the voiceless” or merely an echo of the powerful, and explores what structural reforms are necessary for it to fulfill its founding mandate in the years ahead.
The official public presentation will take place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Main Events Hall, No. 14 Promise Street, off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, beginning at 10:00 a.m. prompt.
The high-profile event will feature Elder U.K. Eke (MFR) as Chairman of the occasion; Maj. Gen. Obi Abel Umahi (OFR) as host; His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti (OFR) Executive Governor of Abia State as special guest of honour; His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, MNI, Obi of Onitsha as Royal Father of the Day and Prof. Okey Anueyiagu as Book Reviewer.
Author’s Perspective
Speaking ahead of the public presentation, Onuma in a chat with Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com) described the book as “a moment of reflection and dialogue,” emphasizing that it is neither a celebration nor a condemnation, but a rigorously documented account of Ohanaeze’s achievements, failures, and continuing challenges.
He noted that the presentation will serve not only to unveil the book but also to spark robust debate among scholars, policymakers, cultural leaders, and members of the Igbo diaspora on the future relevance of Ohanaeze in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
