“Your absence fuelling insecurity”- Ohanaeze Ndigbo asks Igbo leaders in diaspora to return home

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has appealed to prominent Igbo leaders living abroad to return home in 2026, citing the need to rebuild the region politically, economically and culturally.

In a statement dated January 25, 2026, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said the appeal was directed particularly at elder-statesmen above the age bracket of 65 to 70 years.

The statement was signed by Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Chinyereze Ohia, national spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

Ohanaeze said the prolonged absence of influential Igbo leaders has worsened insecurity, weakened cultural values and discouraged investment in the south-east.

The group said the situation has also undermined mentorship and succession planning for younger leaders in the region.

“With deep respect and sincerity, we muster the fortitude to extend a heartfelt plea to the esteemed Igbo elder-statesmen and distinguished leaders currently residing in exile,” the statement reads.

It said the return of the leaders would “fortify ongoing efforts aimed at reconstructing our beleaguered Igbo nation”.

Ohanaeze recalled the example of past Igbo leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Odumegwu Ojukwu and Michael Okpara, who lived their final years in their homeland.

The group said these leaders demonstrated “the profound importance of presence and engagement”.

Ohanaeze contrasted the situation with that of the south-west, where retired leaders were said to remain active within their communities.

It cited figures such as Olusegun Obasanjo, Olu Falae and Wole Soyinka as examples.

The organisation said the absence of Igbo leaders has slowed initiatives such as the AKU-RUO-ULO campaign aimed at encouraging investment in the south-east.

It said the vacuum has contributed to youth unrest and violence, compounded by the exclusion of history from Nigeria’s school curriculum.

Ohanaeze specifically appealed to leaders including Emeka Anyaoku, Ebitu Ukiwe, Allison Madueke, Ike Nwachukwu and others.

It said more than 250 Igbo leaders, including about 120 prominent figures and 130 others in the diaspora, were being urged to return.

“Our appeal is not intended as an indictment of these revered figures, but rather as a respectful reminder of the urgency with which their wisdom and presence are needed,” the statement reads.

Ohanaeze said the return of the leaders is crucial to reviving the region and strengthening Igbo identity.

“The future—the very fabric of our Igbo identity—hinges upon your return. Your absence IS fuelling insecurity,” it added.

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