Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
The appearing President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bayelsa State, Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, has referred to as on events concerned within the organisation’s management dispute to droop all actions surrounding the deliberate Igbo Day celebration in Yenagoa till pending court docket circumstances are resolved.
In an announcement made accessible to journalists in Bayelsa, he warned that continuing with the occasion might set off stress and a breach of public peace.
Arthur-Ugwa urged aggrieved events to permit the judicial course of to run its course, stressing that peace and unity ought to take priority over the proposed celebration.
The warning comes amid a management tussle between Arthur-Ugwa and Frank Odunukwe over the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo within the state, with the Bayelsa State High Court, sitting in Yenagoa, adjourning listening to on a preliminary objection within the matter till November 12, 2026.
The case, which got here up for listening to on Friday, was adjourned after counsel to the defendant, Nathaniel Lokosin, advised the court docket that the related processes have been served on his consumer on October 21, leaving the defence with inadequate time to reply.
Arthur-Ugwa additionally cautioned in opposition to continuing with the Igbo Day celebration with out the mandatory approval from the nationwide management of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, warning that the occasion might heighten tensions amid the unresolved management dispute.
He stated he had communicated his considerations to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the state Commissioner of Police and different related safety companies.
While expressing assist for a peaceable decision of the dispute, the Ohanaeze chieftain stated he would submit a proper petition to the police commissioner regarding the proposed celebration.
“Igbo Day was celebrated in Umuahia on September 29, 2026, and any celebration scheduled after that date should receive approval from the global secretariat led by Senator John Azuta Mbata,” he acknowledged.
He stated the requirement was crucial to forestall a potential conflict or breach of public peace within the state. “Igbos must be united before celebration. No peace and unity, no celebration,” Arthur-Ugwa acknowledged.
