Ikwerre Rulers Reject Ties to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Affirm Ethnic Identity

The Supreme Council of Ikwerre Government-Recognized Traditional Rulers in Rivers State has officially distanced itself from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, declaring that the Ikwerre ethnic nationality is not a subgroup of any tribe in Nigeria. This declaration was made in a statement issued on Monday, signed by the council’s chairman, His Majesty King Leslie Eke, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, and secretary Nye-Weala Omerelu of Ikwerre local government area, His Royal Highness Ben Ugo.

In their statement, the Ikwerre rulers cautioned both the Rivers State Government and the public to remain alert to what they described as “tricks and pranks of Igbo expansionists.” They emphasized that the Ikwerre people have deep-rooted ancestral ties to the ancient Benin Kingdom, honoring their forebears, Akalaka, and reiterated that the Iwhuruohna people share common ancestry with the Ekpeye and Ogba ethnic groups in Rivers State.

The council firmly rejected the notion that the Iwhuruohna ethnicity has any Igbo roots, calling such claims “ill-conceived” and attributing them to the historical oppression and suppression imposed by Igbo merchants from regions like Aro, Nkwerre, and Awka.

Furthermore, the council urged against any expansionist meetings or activities within Rivers State, warning that such actions could stir unrest and agitation among the local populace. The Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers called for unity in the state and stressed the importance of respecting the unique heritage and identity of the Ikwerre ethnic group.