Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos Seeks Genuine Peace, Transparency, Open Communication
By Atume Terfa
The Lagos State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called for genuine peace, transparency and open communication as it moves to resolve its lingering leadership crisis and reposition the organisation for unity and growth.
At a press conference held on Tuesday in Lagos, the Acting President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, High Chief Linus Igbudu, said the group remained committed to safeguarding and promoting the interests of the Igbo community in the state in line with the ideals of Ohanaeze worldwide.
The briefing, attended by key executives and stakeholders, followed recent leadership changes and internal disputes that have affected the organisation’s cohesion.
Igbudu said the challenges stemmed from actions of former Lagos Ohanaeze President, Solomon Ogbonna, who allegedly attempted to extend his tenure through what he described as a contentious consent judgment, contrary to the organisation’s constitution and directives of its national leadership.
According to him, the 2022–2026 executive, local government chairmen and stakeholders have since held extensive consultations aimed at reconciliation and institutional healing.
He emphasised that any peace initiative must follow due process and address grievances of aggrieved members.
“Peace is not only the absence of war but the presence of justice, fairness and equity. Genuine peace has a process that people must be heard and recommendations implemented,” he said.
Igbudu criticised a recent “reunion” gathering organised by Ogbonna and Leonard Okafor, describing it as lacking sincerity and falling short of genuine reconciliation.
The Acting President said the Lagos chapter was determined to rebuild Ohanaeze as an inclusive organisation free from rancour, division and selfish interests.
He disclosed that following the suspension and removal of a former officer, Chief Sunday Ossai, for alleged gross misconduct, the state executive and local government chairmen passed a vote of no confidence in him, a decision later ratified by the general assembly.
Igbudu also clarified that his emergence as Acting President followed his position as Vice-President (Enugu State) and approval by the organisation’s leadership structure after the absence of the Deputy President.
As part of reforms, he announced the constitution of two key committees:
Local Organising Committee (LOC) chaired by Dr Kevin Oguine, with Dr Lady Ada Ofegbu as secretary
Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC) chaired by Nze Johnpaul Ezenwaka, with Asomugha Johnpaul as secretary.
In his closing remarks, Secretary-General Chief Robert Obasi thanked members for their support and urged them to strengthen unity within the Igbo community while upholding the core values of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The Lagos chapter reiterated its commitment to restoring trust, promoting justice and ensuring inclusive participation of all members in the organisation’s affairs.
