Igbo Lawyers Seek Stronger Partnership With Ohanaeze on Restructuring, Business Protection

Igbo lawyers under Otu Oka-Iwu have expressed readiness to deepen their collaboration with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on issues affecting the development and interests of Ndigbo, including constitutional restructuring, legislative advocacy and the protection of businesses.

The position was disclosed during a courtesy visit to the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta-Mbata, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

The delegation, led by the Abuja President of Otu Oka-Iwu, Sir Chidi Udekwe, Esq., was in the city for the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference. The lawyers also used the visit to convey the solidarity and goodwill of Igbo legal practitioners across the country.

During the meeting, Otu Oka-Iwu said its members were prepared to deploy their professional expertise in support of the Ohanaeze agenda, particularly in legal advocacy, human rights protection, constitutional reform and legislative engagement.

The lawyers also called for stronger legal safeguards for Igbo-owned businesses and investments across Nigeria. They identified discriminatory policies, arbitrary levies, demolitions and other practices that they said could negatively affect legitimate economic activities as areas requiring greater legal attention.

Constitutional restructuring and legislative advocacy were also highlighted as key areas for cooperation. The proposed partnership is expected to provide legal and professional input into discussions around a more equitable federal structure, while supporting initiatives aimed at advancing the economic, political and social interests of Ndigbo.

The delegation further discussed the welfare and fundamental rights of Igbo youths and communities, expressing its willingness to provide legal expertise where necessary to promote access to justice and address unlawful treatment. The group also briefed Senator Azuta-Mbata on its apprenticeship and mentorship programme for young lawyers in Abuja, designed to provide practical training and professional guidance.

Responding, Senator Azuta-Mbata welcomed the proposed partnership and commended the lawyers for recognising the importance of professional collaboration. He said the challenges facing Ndigbo required contributions from professionals, intellectuals, business leaders, political actors and other stakeholders.

The Ohanaeze President General stressed that lawyers had an important role in turning legitimate demands into effective advocacy, sound policy and enforceable rights. He assured the delegation that Ohanaeze would continue to support credible professional partnerships aimed at strengthening its capacity to serve and protect the collective interests of Ndigbo.

The delegation included Udekwe; Joseph Ekwueme of the Rivers State Chapter; Innocent Onyeukwu of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter; Chukwuma Obi, Welfare Secretary of Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja; and other members of the Rivers and Akwa Ibom chapters. Senator Azuta-Mbata received the delegation alongside Dr Ezechi Chukwu, Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.