The Igbo community in Akwa Ibom State is set to celebrate the restoration of peace and unity after nearly three decades of leadership disputes, DAILY POST reports. The celebration is scheduled for November 15 at the Ibom Halls grounds under the theme: “Peace and Progress; A Panacea for Development.”

At a press conference in Uyo, the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Hon. Kaceey Chidiadi, said the event is meant to demonstrate that peace is a foundation for societal progress. He revealed that during the crisis, Ohaneze spent over ₦400 million on litigations, funds that could have otherwise been used for community development.

Chidiadi explained that the current executive first established a reconciliatory committee led by Vice Chairman, Chief Ogbonna Ukachukwu, to engage all aggrieved factions. The committee also approached the courts to withdraw ten pending cases for out-of-court settlement, a move supported by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State and other judges.

“The first thing we did was seek the court’s leave to settle this as a community matter. Even if we went through the courts, judgments would not have guaranteed peace,” Chidiadi said.

The leadership tussle arose because multiple individuals claimed the title of Eze Igbo (Igbo king) in the state, with loyalists in different factions exacerbating disunity. The crisis, Chidiadi noted, resulted in the loss of lives of prominent Igbo sons in Akwa Ibom.

Following extensive consultations, it was unanimously agreed that:

• Eze Cyril Umeakuka (Eze CYC) would serve as Eze Ndigbo Gburugburu in Akwa Ibom.
• Eze Barth Okpala would be Eze Ndigbo in Uyo.
• Leadership in Ikot Ekpene remains on hold after the death of Igwe Obed Mbonu.

The peace accord has been documented and will be formally presented at the Igbo Unity Celebration, where those who lost their lives during the crisis will be honored posthumously.

Chidiadi also highlighted achievements of his administration, including establishing a functional secretariat, opening a working bank account, expanding Ohaneze chapters from 11 to 27, and plans to commission the remaining four chapters to cover all 31 local governments in the state.

Chief Ogbonna Ukachukwu, Chairman of the Reconciliatory Committee, emphasized that patience, tolerance, and neutral dialogue were crucial in resolving the dispute. Treasurer Chief Chukwuma Daniel praised the state government under Governor Umo Eno for creating a conducive environment for Igbos to thrive economically and politically.

Daniel reassured that the Igbos in Akwa Ibom are now united, and lasting peace has been restored.