The Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, on behalf of the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality in Rivers State, have disowned Senator John Azuta-Mbata for becoming the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-cultural organisation of Igbo people of Nigeria.

However, the group acknowledged, Azuta-Mbata’s inalienable right to belong to any association of his choice in Nigeria, as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The group said by becoming the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Azuta-mbata willingly and freely renounced his membership and identity as an Ikwerre man.

The group said that “his action does not represent the collective view, will, position, or thinking of the Eneka community, Apara Kingdom, or the entire Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality.

“That having freely chosen to identify as an Igbo man and to occupy the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide unequivocally disclaims and denounces his action as a personal decision taken without the consent of his community, kingdom, or Iwhuruohna,” the group said.

It said Azuta-Mbata’s decision to take up the position is a sacrilege, adding that he would henceforth be regarded as a stranger in Ikwerre land.

The group further announced the withdrawal of all honours and titles bestowed on him by any Ikwerre organisation.