Follow Us on Google
• Suspends 3, condemns kangaroo election
By Bianca Iboma-Emefu, Vera Wisdom-Bassey and Bolaji Okunola
The Lagos State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed concern over the factional disputes currently rocking the socio-political organisation, warning that the development could undermine the unity and progress of the group.
The concerns were raised by officials and stakeholders during the state General Assembly meeting held yesterday at the Old School Hall, National Stadium, Lagos.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, a stakeholder of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State and Secretary of the Committee set up by the Council of Traditional Rulers, Prince Ubochi Ubochi, said the committee was established to address issues within the organisation and engage the faction involved in the dispute.
According to him, the meeting was also aimed at addressing the controversy surrounding the nationalisation of the organisation and an election allegedly conducted despite a court order restraining such an exercise.
Ubochi described the alleged election as a “kangaroo election,” saying the action was driven by what he described as desperation for office.
“I see them doing this as a result of desperation for office and I don’t understand the reason. To the very best of my knowledge, you can’t force yourself to serve people,” he said.
He added that the disputed faction had allegedly approached influential individuals and claimed to have been elected despite an existing court order and a directive from the national body against conducting an election.
Ubochi urged members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to remain patient and committed to resolving the crisis, stressing the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship between the Igbo community and its host state.
“We are using this medium to tell Ohanaeze Ndigbo to be patient. We must work with our host, Lagos, so we can continue to enjoy the relationship,” he said.
In a communique buttressing the decisions taken at the General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, the socio-cultural group said it had suspended three members, namely, Mr. Mike Orji, Mr. Paul Eze and Mr. Thompson Ohia for the “derogatory publications” attacking the President-General, Senator John Azuta-Mbata and affirmed the assembly as the organisation’s true mainstream body.
The communiqués stated that the three were immediately suspended from all activities, meetings and programmes of the Lagos State body and its local government chapters. They were ordered to tender an unreserved public apology to Senator Azuta-Mbata and the Global Executive Council.
The Assembly reaffirmed its confidence and loyalty to the President-General and the Global Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. It stated that the only election it recognises is one conducted under the authority of the Enugu leadership in accordance with the organisation’s constitution.
Pending the final determination of the lawsuit before the court and in line with a subsisting order maintaining the status quo, Chief Robert Obasi and other recognised officers, including sitting local government chairmen, would continue in their positions.
In a direct rebuke of a parallel claim, the Assembly called on Chief Leonard Okafor (Oba Ojoto) to publicly renounce the purported election of 6 April 2026, which it labelled a “charade,” and to reunite with the mainstream leadership in the interest of Ndigbo. It placed the public and the Lagos State Government on notice that no valid election had been conducted and that any communication not signed by Secretary-General, Chief Robert Obasi, should be regarded as coming from a faction.
Other News
Speaking on the sidelines of the same assembly, High Chief Daniel Chukwuemeka Owang, who identifies himself as chairman of all 57 local government chairmen of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, reinforced the claim to legitimacy. He described those present as the “true mainstream” with genuine grassroots support who uphold the constitution, in contrast to the purported factional group.
Owang said the General Assembly remains essential for communicating messages from the national headquarters, addressing the challenges faced by Ndigbo across Lagos local governments, promoting development and empowerment, and ensuring the community speaks with one voice.
On insecurity, he noted that Ohanaeze is a socio-cultural organisation rather than a government but urged Lagos authorities to intensify efforts to protect lives and property. “Without peace, there will be no development,” he said, warning that insecurity prevents people from conducting business and worsens poverty. He called for stronger protection for all Lagosians.
The twin moves underlined a determined effort by the true Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos to consolidate authority, demand loyalty to the national leadership, and shut down competing claims amid ongoing internal disputes.
Also speaking, the Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, Robert Obasa, dismissed claims that the organisation has a faction, describing the situation instead as an attempt by some individuals to create obstruction within the organisation.
Obasa said a court order issued on March 29, 2026, by the High Court sitting in Yaba, presided over by Justice Balogun, directed that the position in question should remain vacant and that no election should be conducted.
He alleged that despite the order, another group proceeded to conduct an election on April 6.
According to him, the national body subsequently declared the office of President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos vacant and directed that no individual occupy the position.
“That is why the other faction is trying to force themselves, lobbying here and there and trying to manipulate the system. You can never manipulate the system,” Obasa said.
He maintained that those present at the General Assembly represented the mainstream Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, adding that the group enjoys recognition and support from relevant stakeholders.
Obasa appealed to members of the Igbo community in Lagos to remain peaceful and united, urging them to focus on the purpose that brought them to the state.
“I will advise my Ndigbo to remain peaceful, love one another and be focused on what brought them to Lagos,” he said.
The acting President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos state has stated that the essence of the general meeting held today is for the people to know the truth, “the highest in life is for you to be convinced.”
He therefore stated that he believed the people present at the meeting were not mercenaries, we are all intelligent people.”
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Lagos, Prof Rose Anorlu, as part of the event gave a lecture on the causes and treatment of cancer.
