Ex-Police Commission Chairman Calls on Ohanaeze, Traditional Rulers to Intervene in Soludo-Obi Rift

By Praise Chinecherem

Former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Chief Simon Okeke, has called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo and South-East traditional rulers to intervene in the growing political disagreement between Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general election.

Okeke warned that the disagreement could undermine Igbo unity and negatively affect the perception of Ndigbo across Nigeria if urgent steps were not taken to address the situation.

The elder statesman, who disclosed that he had been in the United States since late August for routine medical checks, expressed concern over what he described as an alleged display of hatred and envy towards Obi by the Anambra governor.

In a message addressed to Senator John Azuta Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo; Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha; and Igwe Amb. Christian Uchechukwu Agubuzu, Coordinating Chairman of the South-East Traditional Rulers Council, Okeke appealed for immediate intervention to prevent further divisions among Igbo leaders.

He expressed concern that the disagreement could have wider implications for the collective image and interests of the Igbo people, urging the region’s prominent leaders to explore ways of de-escalating the tension.

“Our guess is as good as yours what can now be the perception of Ndigbo to the rest of the country. What remedy can you think of? How can further damage be mitigated?” he asked in the message.

Okeke lamented that the situation could expose the Igbo community to public ridicule, stressing the need for concerted efforts to protect the dignity, unity and collective interests of the people.

He urged the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership and traditional rulers to use their positions and influence to foster dialogue and prevent the disagreement from deepening political divisions within the South-East.

As a possible solution, the former Police Service Commission chairman proposed a closed-door meeting involving the key actors and some prominent traditional rulers to facilitate dialogue and resolve their differences.

“Perhaps you may invite them for a closed-door discussion with you and some of our leading traditional rulers,” he suggested.

He further called on the region’s leadership to take urgent steps to contain the situation, warning that prolonged divisions among prominent Igbo political figures could have consequences for the community’s unity and public image.

The appeal comes amid public interest in the political relationship between Soludo and Obi, two prominent figures in Anambra State and national politics, as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum.

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