Chief Chukwuemeka Egwuonwu, an entrepreneur and seasoned politician, has been elected President of the Cross River State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural body representing the Igbo people.

The announcement was made following a well-attended delegates’ election held over the weekend in Ikom Local Government Area.

The new leadership is expected to steer the group’s affairs for the next four years.

In his acceptance speech, Egwuonwu vowed to usher in a new era of active political engagement for Igbo people in the state, stressing that the days of passive participation are over.

“This marks a new dawn for Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Cross River. We will no longer sit on the sidelines. Starting with the 2027 national elections, we will take our place at the table where decisions are made,” he declared.

He promised to lead with courage and impartiality, adding that his administration would not conduct business as usual.

Promising an inclusive leadership style, the new president said he would unite all segments of the Igbo community in the state and push for greater representation both locally and in the diaspora.

Meanwhile, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River praised the peaceful conduct of the election and acknowledged the people’s choice.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Non-Indigene Affairs, Mazi Okey Maduekwe, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equity and inclusion.

He highlighted his administration’s “people-first” agenda, with ongoing investments in infrastructure and security aimed at attracting more investors, including from the Igbo community.

Earlier, the Eze Ndigbo of Cross River, Eze Sir Emmanuel Ezewenyi, represented by the Onowu Ndigbo, Chief Livinus Ihezie, called for a peaceful and rancour-free election. He urged all contestants and delegates to rally behind the winner.

Over one million Igbo residents either directly or indirectly participated in the electoral process. Delegates from 15 chapters across the state, each contributing five delegates (except Calabar, which presented eight), took part in the voting exercise.

The election of Egwuonwu is widely seen as a strategic move to align the Igbo community in Cross River with broader national developments and ensure they have a stronger voice in future political decisions.