Follow Us on Google
By Tony Udemba
The quest for greater unity, institutional stability and collective advancement of the Igbo community in Lagos State took centre stage as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State convened its 5th General Assembly at Peninsula Hotels and Resort, Ajah, Lekki.
The gathering, hosted by the Eti-Osa Igbo community—comprising Eti-Osa LGA, Eti-Osa East LCDA, Ikoyi-Obalande LCDA and Iru-VI LCDA—attracted an impressive assembly of traditional rulers, community leaders, key stakeholders, former presidents of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, presidents of town unions and various Igbo associations, as well as women leaders and other distinguished personalities.
Beyond its significance as a regular meeting of the organisation, the assembly provided an important platform for assessing the state of the association, addressing outstanding organisational concerns and exploring avenues for consolidating unity among Ndigbo resident in Lagos.
Presiding over the occasion, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, Chief Leonard Okafor (aka Oba Ojoto), commended the host communities and participants for their commitment to the organisation, particularly those who travelled considerable distances to attend. He specifically acknowledged the people of Eti-Osa for providing the ambient platform and facilities for the peaceful hosting of the assembly.
A significant part of the deliberations focused on the need to strengthen the administrative and operational framework of Ohanaeze Ndigbo across Lagos State.
Presenting the minutes of the previous assembly, the General Secretary, Chief Mike Orji, revisited key resolutions and issues requiring sustained attention. These included the harmonisation of the organisation’s structure and electoral arrangements across the 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State, the proposed insurance scheme for members, and collective contributions towards community welfare and development.
Addressing these issues, Chief Okafor provided an update on the proposed insurance programme, disclosing that the necessary arrangements had been concluded. He encouraged interested members to take advantage of the initiative, describing it as an important step towards providing financial protection against unforeseen circumstances.
On the question of organisational restructuring, the president reiterated the need for a uniform and coordinated administrative framework that would promote effective leadership, strengthen cooperation among the various chapters and enhance the overall administration of the association. On the contentious issue of elections in some LGAs and LCDAs, the president also stated his position that no further elections would take place in Lagos State without approval from the state executive, reiterating his stance on the organisation’s leadership and electoral arrangements. His remarks formed part of the wider discussions on the need for institutional stability and a peaceful resolution of outstanding differences.
The assembly also offered members an opportunity to evaluate the organisation’s progress and communicate their expectations to its leadership.
Other News
Several participants expressed appreciation for the direction of the current administration, with some describing the leadership under Chief Okafor as one that had made significant contributions to the organisation. They also offered prayers for the president and members of his executive council, wishing them continued strength, wisdom and success in the discharge of their responsibilities. The expressions of goodwill underscored the importance of constructive engagement, mutual understanding and sustained cooperation in building a stronger and more cohesive Igbo socio-cultural organisation in Lagos State.
In keeping with the cultural identity and traditions of Ndigbo, the gathering also featured a celebration of the New Yam Festival, organised by Onyendu Gerald Onuchukwu of Eti-Osa. The cultural segment provided an opportunity to showcase the rich traditions of the Igbo people, reinforcing the connection between cultural preservation, community identity and intergenerational heritage.
The gorgeously dressed all-female dancing troupe from Oriade LCDA were on hand to entertain members and guests with scintillating dancing steps. Similarly, a set of fierce-looking indigenous Igbo masquerades also entertained the people, while constantly hitting their heads on the bare floor to the admiration of everyone.
Earlier, the occasion had commenced with an opening prayer by Chief C.F.C. Obi, followed by the symbolic traditional breaking of the kolanut performed by Onyendu Gerald Onuchukwu, with the support of Eze Ndigbo Eti-Osa East and Eze Ndigbo Ajah, Eze Bernard Nwoke. These traditional observances reflected the enduring cultural values of hospitality, respect, brotherhood and communal solidarity that remain central to Igbo gatherings.
The 5th General Assembly concluded against the backdrop of renewed calls for unity, reconciliation and stronger institutional cooperation within Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.
For an organisation representing a large and diverse Igbo population across Lagos, the issues raised at the meeting highlighted the importance of effective leadership, transparent administration, members’ welfare and the preservation of a common cultural identity.
As the organisation continues to navigate its internal and administrative challenges, the expectation among stakeholders remains that dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility will provide the foundation for a more united and progressive Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.
The occasion also witnessed the presence of key politicians who visited and sought the support of the organisation in the forthcoming general elections.
The assembly was therefore not only a gathering of community representatives but also an opportunity to renew the conversation about the future of the Igbo community and its place in the social and cultural landscape of Lagos State.
