Netizens have slammed the apex Igbo socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, for holding its 50th anniversary in Lagos instead of in Southeast Igboland.

This followed Governor Alex Otti of Abia State sharing a social media post detailing his experience at the event.

The event was also attended by former Governor of Anambra State and Nigerian Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Otti shared, "Yesterday in Ikeja, Lagos, I joined eminent Igbo leaders, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests at the public presentation of the book, Ohaneze at 50: The Burden of Memory, The Politics of Relevance: A Critical Biographical Reflection of an Igbo Institution, written by Agbaeze Ireke Kalu Onuma. My speech, titled “Ohaneze at 50: A Book That Holds Up the Mirror,” reflected on the significance of the book and the future of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

"At 50, Ohanaeze Ndigbo deserves celebration, but also honest reflection. This 602-page work goes beyond recounting the organisation’s history. It examines its leadership, achievements, challenges and continuing relevance.

"As Phyllis Diller (1917–2012) reminds us, “Maybe it's true that life begins at fifty. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out.”

"The book therefore challenges us to look beyond history and ask what Ohanaeze has become, what it should be, and what it must do to remain relevant to generations of Ndigbo yet unborn.

"It reminds us that while heritage provides a foundation, relevance must be earned continuously. The future of Ndigbo requires institutions that embrace young people, technology, innovation and the global Igbo community, while translating our rich cultural identity into greater economic, intellectual and political strength.

"I commend Agbaeze Ireke Kalu Onuma for undertaking this important work and recommend the book to everyone interested in the history, identity, unity and future of Ndigbo.

"Ohaneze at 50 is not merely a record of history, it is an invitation to reflect on where we are and where we should be headed.

"As Chili Davies aptly puts it, “Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.”

"May the 50th anniversary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo mark not only a celebration of its past, but also inspire a deeper conversation about the future we must build."

Reacting, an X user, @LionsDenMbaise, said, "Shame on you all that left Igbo land to celebrate a book launch in Lagos. You gathered funds and funnelled them into Lagos that's already richer than the entire South East. From hotel accomodations, food and logistics, event hall etc could cost over a billion. You all are insensitive."

@Papapasupe said, "Even dem give dem Biafra, na Lagos and Yoruba land dem go dey celebrate their Independence Day, conquered people."

@KikeTemitops said, "I don’t really understand why a whole region can’t find any good state within their region to hold a meeting of such importance. This is not really looking good."

@kalu_harmony said, "This is ridiculously shameful. For such a remarkable event to be held outside Ala-Igbo is deeply disappointing and raises serious questions about the leadership and direction of Ohaneze.

"The leadership has failed woefully in its responsibility to restore and project the dignity, identity, and pride of the Igbo people. We can no longer tolerate this level of embarrassment from those entrusted to lead, direct, and guide our people.

"Ohaneze must do better going forward. Our people deserve leadership that understands the importance of where and how our collective identity is represented."

@OtunbaDP said, "Just imagine Yorubas going to the SE for the Afenifere conference or the recently held Kiriji remembrance or the Hausas going to the SE for the Arewa conference. It will NEVER happen, not in this world or the next."

@playboyLfc said, "Ohaneze in Lagos State, Yorubaland; last time was your king doing his birthday in Lagos. Sincerely, you guys are not ready for this Biafra. I hate what happened to Dubai Abia you’re building."

@omowe__ said, "You couldn't host them in Abia that you've made the small London. You don't have an event centre, or are they scared of your brothers back home? It just has to be Lagos, not even the FCT, not your neighbouring PHC, but Lagos/"

ASA