Ohakim Never Called Himself “Ikiri” — BBO 2027 Debunks Renewed Propaganda

DDM NEWS

“‘Ikiri’ was a metaphor, not an identity. Ohakim’s only official title remains ‘Ochinanwata’ — symbol of youth leadership.”

Owerri, Nigeria – June 18, 2025
The Bring Back Ohakim (BBO) 2027 Movement has strongly refuted a fresh wave of propaganda claiming that former Imo State Governor, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, referred to himself as “Ikiri,” the bush cat.

In a statement issued in Owerri on Tuesday, the movement clarified that the term “Ikiri” was never adopted by Dr. Ohakim as a self-identity, but was instead used symbolically in 2011 to depict his strategic resilience in the face of intense political hostility at the time.

“Let it be clear: ‘Ikiri’ was a metaphor—a literary figure of speech—not a nickname or a title,” the statement read.

“It illustrated Ohakim’s readiness to navigate and survive the jungle of predatory politics with the tact and agility of the proverbial bush cat known in Igbo folklore.”

The BBO 2027 Movement noted that while the phrase later became popularized by supporters who admired Ohakim’s calm, cerebral, and diplomatic political style, the former governor never laid claim to it as a title.

“The only officially recognized title embraced by Dr. Ikedi Ohakim is ‘Ochinanwata’—a name that translates to ‘Leader from a Youthful Age’—which reflects his early start in leadership and his enduring commitment to youth development,” said Capt. Bishop C. Johnson (U.S. Army Rtd.), Convener of the BBO 2027 Movement.

According to the statement, the latest attempt to revive this long-settled non-issue is “a tired distraction aimed at diverting attention from the real challenges facing Imo State today—challenges of governance, inclusion, and equitable development.”

“We will not re-litigate old lies. We are focused on restoring purposeful leadership, not engaging in petty historical distortions,” Johnson affirmed.

The BBO 2027 Movement called on the people of Imo and Nigerians at large to remain discerning and reject deliberate misinformation intended to smear a leader whose legacy of integrity, equity, and youth empowerment remains intact.

Recall that Chief Ikedi Ohakim emerged as a governor in 2007 miraculously from a very small party called PPA defeating Ifeanyi Araraume and co, who vowed to remove him, DDM News gathered.

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