Senator John Azuta-Mbata has emerged as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. The former Senator representing Rivers East was elected on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Igbo socio-cultural group at the old government lodge in Enugu, the Enugu State capital.
Azuta-Mbata becomes the 13th President-General of the organization, succeeding Fidelis Chukwu, who recently completed Imo State’s tenure in leading the pan-Igbo group. Chukwu had assumed leadership in December following the death of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who previously succeeded George Obiozor after his passing in 2023.
The transition marks a new chapter as Rivers State takes the leadership role for the next four years. Azuta-Mbata, born in January 1960, holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ibadan. He first entered the Senate in 1999 as a representative for Rivers East under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and served until 2007.
The election witnessed the attendance of the five South-East governors, prominent leaders, and political stakeholders from across the Igbo community.
