The recent assertion by Ohaneze Ndigbo and its President, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, claiming that the Ikwerre people are part of the Igbo ethnic group has sparked controversy and drawn strong rebuke from the Ikwerre socio-cultural group, the Iwhnurohna Progressive Organisation (IPO).
In a statement issued by Dr. Okahchukwu Dibia, the leader of IPO, it was vehemently stated that such claims are not only false but also offensive, insulting, and disrespectful to the Ikwerre people. The IPO emphasized that the Ikwerre are a distinct ethnic nation with their own language, culture, and history, recognized both nationally and internationally by entities such as the Nigerian government and the United Nations.
Dibia went further to refute the notion that similarities in language, names, dances, songs, and dressing should be used as determinants of ethnic identity. Instead, he emphasized the importance of verifiable historical records and innate character traits in defining one's ancestral affiliation.
Photo File of Ikwerre People
Highlighting the historical context, Dibia explained that while there may be some Aro communities within Ikwerreland, allowing them to settle there does not make the Ikwerre people Igbo. He also pointed out the erroneous delineation of boundaries that has led to confusion, such as the inclusion of some Ikwerre communities in Imo State.
Furthermore, Dibia urged Ohaneze Ndigbo and other ethnic groups to embrace good neighborliness and respect each other's distinctiveness, rather than pursuing agendas of domination or forced unification. He reminded them of the importance of mutual respect and understanding in fostering harmonious coexistence, THE NATION reports.