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A growing coalition of Igbo traditional leaders and community stakeholders in the Diaspora and within Lagos appears to have reached a consensus on a preferred candidate for the vacant Ezendigbo of Lagos State stool.
Findings indicate that prominent Ndieze Ndigbo in the Diaspora have thrown their weight behind Eze (Amb.) Dr. Onyeka Ifekandu—currently the Eze-Igbo of Lagos Island—as the successor to the late Eze Hyacinth Ohazulike. The endorsement, sources say, reflects a desire for renewed leadership rooted in unity, integrity, and service to the Igbo community.
Among the notable figures backing Eze Ifekandu are Nigeria-born Finland-based soldier Mr. Fred Umeadi and respected royal father, Igwe Prof. Ugwunta. Both leaders, who also bear the titles Ikenga and Onataradike Mma respectively, have publicly and privately described him as a bridge-builder and one of the most influential community figures of his generation.
They cited his track record as a philanthropist, cultural promoter, peace ambassador, educational advocate, and business leader as key reasons for the endorsement, stressing that the Igbo community in Lagos needs a leader with “a human heart and a clear passion for the collective progress of Ndigbo.”
Additional reports show that the support for Eze Ifekandu extends far beyond traditional rulers. Various groups—including traders in Lagos Island, Yoruba leaders, Obas, Ohanaeze Ndigbo members, town unions, market associations, and the Igbo Speaking Community—are said to have also nominated him for the exalted position.
These groups believe he embodies the qualities required to unify the diverse Igbo population in Lagos and steer a new era of cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and communal harmony.
Although it remains unclear whether he has formally accepted the offer, sources confirm that he is under significant pressure from individuals, groups, and Ndieze across Lagos to take up the mantle of leadership.
Eze (Amb.) Dr. Onyeka Ifekandu—who holds several ancient traditional titles, including Nze Akuomadifu Nkpata Enugwu Ukwu na Umunri and Ozonkpu Omechaluili Ili Ofubochi—has become widely known for his commitment to promoting Igbo culture and heritage. Since assuming the Lagos Island stool, he has personally sponsored cultural festivals, supported Nollywood film projects, funded scholarships, and empowered widows, traders, youths, and the less privileged.
He has also received numerous honours locally and internationally for his contributions to peacebuilding and humanitarian service.
Born on March 18, 1976, in Enugwu Ukwu, Anambra State, the business mogul is the CEO of Mac-Akudiufu Nigeria Limited, a major distributor of tailoring materials, and Park City BDC Limited, a Central Bank of Nigeria-accredited bureau de change firm. Through these ventures and the traditional Igbo apprenticeship model, he has mentored and empowered many young Nigerians.
Known for his humility, courage, and firmness, Eze Ifekandu is described by associates as a leader who values honesty, justice, and integrity—principles he believes are essential for building sustainable relationships and a stronger nation.
Married to Iyom Chief Mrs. Nkechi Ifekandu and blessed with four grown children, he resides with his family in Green Field Estate, Lagos. He began his education at Holy Ghost Primary School and Government Secondary School, North Bank, Makurdi, before studying Banking and Finance at Lagos State Polytechnic, where he distinguished himself as an entrepreneurial talent.
With the growing groundswell of support, many observers believe the Igbo community in Lagos may have found a unifying figure in Eze Ifekandu—should he ultimately accept the call to serve as the next Ezendigbo of Lagos State.
