From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has warned Ohaneze Ndigbo, Lagos State chapter against the incessant leadership struggle going on in the chapter.
In a statement signed by Uchenna Madu, leader of MASSOB, the pro Biafra group expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership struggle, reiterated her recognition and support for the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, under Senator John Azuta Mbata, President General, and Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, as President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Lagos State chapter.
MASSOB said any other person or group parading themselves as leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Lagos chapter other than the Aguene lineup are imposters.
The statement read in part, “We have been closely monitoring the activities of individuals claiming to represent the interests of Ndigbo in Lagos State.
“MASSOB wishes to categorically condemn the activities of these individuals falsely claiming to be Ohaneze Ndigbo leaders in Lagos State.
These impostors are posing a serious threat to the unity and peace of the Igbo community in Lagos state.
“We regard their self-imposed leadership as not only illegal but also as a blatant disrespect to the traditions and structures that represent the interests of Ndigbo.
“The actions of these individuals are seen as acts of disobedience to Senator John Azuta Mbata led Ohaneze Ndigbo and to the wishes of the true Igbo leaders and the wider community.
“We are particularly concerned that such divisive actions could lead to strife and incite unwarranted violence against Igbos residing in Lagos State.”
MASSOB warned that the well-being and safety of her people should not be compromised by the machinations of a few individuals seeking personal gain and recognition.
MASSOB equally warned those creating the position of coordinator for the South Western zone of Ohaneze Ndigbo, a position it said was misleading as it does not exist within the organization’s structure.
“We implore Ohaneze Ndigbo NEC to take immediate steps to
reprimand individuals creating confusion in Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos chapter.”
MASSOB urged the Ohaneze Ndigbo NEC to comply with a consent judgment regarding the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos State.
“This judgment, delivered by Justice L.A.M. Folami of the Ikeja division of the Lagos State High Court on April 12, 2022, confirmed Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene as the legitimate president of Ohameze Ndigbo in Lagos state”, the pro Biafra group stated.