Ohanaeze Progressive Council Condemns Youth Group's Attack on Ex-Governors' Tinubu Endorsement
The Ohanaeze Progressive Council (OPC) has publicly disowned a controversial statement issued by the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), which declared the South-East Forum of Former Governors as persona non grata in Igboland. In a strongly worded press release, the OPC's National President, Comrade Ugo Benjamin, described the OYC's action as an act of youthful arrogance and cultural sacrilege that contradicts the dignified traditions of the Igbo people.
Respect for Elders as a Sacred Tradition
Comrade Benjamin emphasized that respect for elders, leaders, and statesmen is not optional in Igbo culture but is considered sacred. He stated, This is not how Igbo people behave. These elders are accomplished sons of the soil who have served our people with distinction. For a fringe group of loud-mouthed youths to wake up and declare them outcasts is not only laughable but a disgusting display of disrespect that spits on the very face of Igbo culture and tradition.
He praised the former governors as visionary statesmen who have consistently prioritized the interests of Ndigbo over personal ambition, highlighting their developmental legacies, proven track records in governance, and ongoing commitment to the South-East region even after leaving office.
Strategic Patriotism in Endorsing Tinubu
Benjamin defended the ex-governors' decision to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, framing it as strategic patriotism of the highest order. He argued that this move aims to secure the future of the South-East through engagement, development, and inclusion, rather than the childish confrontation and isolation advocated by the OYC.
He hailed President Tinubu as a transformative leader whose Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering real dividends across Nigeria, including in the South-East. President Tinubu is a man of action, a unifier, and a visionary. The South-East leaders who have endorsed him understand what many short-sighted youths cannot see: that the path to addressing marginalization is not through endless protest and isolation, but through strategic alliance with a President who respects competence and rewards loyalty. Their support is in the best interest of Ndigbo, and history will vindicate them, Benjamin declared.
Accusations of Mischief and Division
The OPC leader accused the OYC of acting out of mischief, hunger for cheap relevance, and possible external sponsorship aimed at dividing the South-East ahead of the 2027 elections. He criticized the youth group, saying, These so-called youth leaders have no electoral value, no grassroots following, and zero respect for the wisdom of our elders. Their disgraceful statement is nothing but political hooliganism and an attempt to blackmail respected leaders who have refused to be used as tools for selfish agendas.
Benjamin warned that any further attempts to ostracize or disrespect these leaders would be resisted by the majority of progressive Igbo youths and elders who value unity, respect, and progress over empty noise-making.
Call for Unity and Responsible Leadership
In conclusion, Comrade Benjamin urged all Igbo sons and daughters to ignore the divisive rantings of the OYC and rally behind the statesmen working for the interest of Ala Igbo within the Nigerian project under President Tinubu's leadership. The Ohanaeze Progressive Council stands for responsible youth leadership that uplifts rather than destroys, he added, reaffirming the council's commitment to cultural respect and political engagement.
