Senator John Azuta-Mbata has been elected as the 13th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization. His election took place during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State.
Azuta-Mbata, a former Senator representing Rivers East at the National Assembly, succeeds Fidelis Chukwu, who recently concluded Imo State’s tenure in leading the pan-Igbo group. Chukwu assumed leadership in December during an Ime-Obi meeting in Enugu, following the passing of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who had taken over after the death of George Obiozor in 2023. The transition now sees Rivers State taking its turn to lead Ohanaeze, with Azuta-Mbata at the helm for the next four years.
Born in January 1960, Azuta-Mbata holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ibadan. He began his political career during Nigeria’s Fourth Republic in 1999, representing the Rivers East constituency in the Senate under the banner of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He served two terms, leaving office in 2007.
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The election ceremony was a significant gathering, attended by South-East governors, prominent Igbo leaders, and key political stakeholders. Their presence underscored the importance of Azuta-Mbata’s leadership in steering Ohanaeze Ndigbo towards addressing the pressing issues facing the Igbo community.
