Denge Josef Onoh: The Courage of Conviction, The Voice of Principle
There are men whose lives are defined by the positions they occupy, and there are others whose influence transcends office, title and political affiliation. Denge Dr. Josef Umunnakwe Onoh, Oka-ome IV of Ngwo and Denge of Agbor, belongs unmistakably to the latter category. As he celebrates another milestone, today, August 31st, it is fitting to […]
Denge Josef Umunnakwe Onoh, Oka-ome IV of Ngwo and Denge of Agbor, is a man revered for his unwavering conviction and principles. Born on August 31st, he exemplifies the qualities of a Virgo - analytical, practical, and meticulous. His diligence has been a constant companion throughout his career in public service, politics, business, environmental conservation, and advocacy.
Onoh's political journey has been marked by his willingness to stand firm in his convictions, regardless of the prevailing winds. This was evident during the 2023 presidential election when he took the responsibility of being the South-East spokesman for the presidential campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Despite the political risks, Onoh defended Tinubu's candidacy relentlessly, confronting criticisms and engaging Ohanaeze Ndigbo. He made it clear that supporting Tinubu did not mean abandoning the interests or destiny of Ndigbo.
Beyond presidential politics, Onoh's commitment to justice and human dignity is evident in his advocacy for Nigerians abroad. In May 2026, he led a campaign against xenophobia in South Africa, signing a petition demanding action against attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals. He also condemned inadequate responses to these attacks and called for support for Mexico during its World Cup opener against South Africa.
When South Africa's Consul-General denied the existence of xenophobia, Onoh challenged this assertion, emphasizing that the experiences of African migrants could not be dismissed.
Onoh's philosophy of advocacy extends beyond national boundaries. He believes that the dignity of the African person must be protected wherever it is threatened. This principle was evident in his defense of Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu when she visited Nigerian inmates in an Ethiopian prison. He insisted on due process and a thorough investigation into the death of Mary Habila, calling for transparency and justice rather than allowing tragedy to be exploited for political gain.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Trust's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
