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By Tony Udemba
The atmosphere was uniquely reconciliatory and peaceful as prominent Igbo leaders, royal fathers and other stakeholders gathered in their numbers under the auspices of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos to witness the landmark peace and reconciliation deal between Chief Solomon Ogbonna and Chief Sunday Ossai, both of whom had laid claims to the presidency of the socio-cultural group in Lagos.
The occasion, which took place recently in the Surulere area of Lagos, finally brought to an end the protracted leadership tussle that had existed between the duo. In his opening speech at the event, Ogbonna commended Chief Ossai for his strong belief in peace and willingness to join him in bringing to an end the eight-year-old leadership crisis between them, while assuring everyone that enduring peace and unity had finally returned to Ohanaeze Lagos.
He further commended Chief Leo Okafor for his sacrifices and remarkable efforts in brokering peace between him and Ossai, stating that the reconciliation between them was not an easy task, as it had to pass through several challenges, and noting that, finally, lasting peace and unity had returned to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos. He regretted the difficulties and bad publicity the leadership crisis had caused the group and its members whilst the problems lasted. He assured that, now their tenures were almost ending, as one united body they had agreed to jointly organise elections for a new executive that would be acceptable to all members.
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Speaking in the same vein, Ossai commended Ogbonna for his efforts, and Chief Leo Okafor for his special role in bringing about peace and a new dawn in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos. He sincerely apologised to members for the stress and difficulties they might have passed through during the leadership squabbles, even as he assured them that the crisis had finally ended. He pledged to commit himself to building a strong, peaceful and united Ohanaeze Lagos.
Addressing news reporters at the occasion, Chief Leo Okafor, who is widely credited with brokering the successful peace deal, stated that his decision to intervene between the factions was strictly based on the need to reunite Ohanaeze Lagos, end factions in the group, foster a culture of peace and unity and make Igbos speak with one united voice through Ohanaeze in Lagos. He noted that “for Ohanaeze to be taken seriously in Lagos, they must be united and speak with one voice.” He said it was regrettable that, for the past eight years, Ohanaeze Lagos had witnessed a protracted leadership crisis, which had affected peace, unity and understanding amongst members, “but with the reconciliation and new understanding between Chief Solomon Ogbonna and Chief Sunday Ossai, a new beginning and a new lease of life has come into Ohanaeze Lagos now.” Speaking further, he encouraged the formerly warring parties to withdraw pending cases in court and work harmoniously together towards moving the group forward.
He added that various committees would be set up to harmonise different aspects of the reconciliation.
The well-attended occasion drew chieftains of Ohanaeze in Lagos, Ndieze Ndigbo, the leadership of the Igbo Speaking Community and other stakeholders.
