By Uchenna Eletuo
The Lagos State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has reaffirmed its loyalty to the organisation’s President-General, Sen. John Azuta-Mbata, and the Global Executive Council.
This is contained in a communique issued after a General Assembly meeting held on Saturday, Aug. 15, in Lagos.
Signed by Chief Robert Obasi, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, the statement addressed recent controversies within the socio-cultural group.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the apex socio-cultural organisation for the Igbo people of Nigeria.
Founded in 1976, it has its headquarters in Enugu and represents the collective interests, unity, and cultural heritage of Igbo communities both in Nigeria and across the diaspora
Some of the controversies identified included disputes over leadership, alleged insulting publications against the President-General, and questions around the conduct of elections in the state chapter.
The assembly condemned what it described as derogatory publications targeting Azuta-Mbata and distanced the Lagos State body from the actions of those responsible.
It noted that as a result, three persons were suspended with immediate effect from all activities, meetings, and programmes of the Lagos State chapter and its local government branches.
The suspended members were also directed to issue an unreserved public apology to the President-General and the Global Executive Council.
On the issue of elections, the assembly acknowledged that elections were due but stressed that only an election conducted under the authority of the Enugu-based national leadership and in line with the organisation’s constitution would be recognised.
It also noted the full support for the Azuta-Mbata-led Global Executive Council to oversee a constitutionally compliant election process in Lagos State.
Citing a subsisting court order maintaining the status quo, the assembly stated that Chief Robert Obasi and other duly recognised officers, including all sitting local government chairmen, would continue to function in their respective roles pending the final determination of the matter by the court.
In a formal notice to the Lagos State Government, the assembly declared that no valid election had been conducted within the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State chapter and urged authorities to disregard any claims to the contrary until a constitutionally recognised election is held.
Earlier during the General Assembly meeting , Prince Ubochi Ubochi, Secretary of the Committee set up by the Council of Traditional Rulers, said the committee was established to address issues within the organisation and engage the faction involved in the dispute.
He noted that the meeting was called to address the controversy surrounding the nationalisation of the organisation and an election allegedly conducted not regarding 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 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.
Also speaking on the resolution, Mr Everest Ozonweke who is a Chief, said the General Assembly meeting was a significant step toward peacefully resolving the administrative challenges in the Lagos chapter of the association.
Ozonweke, the Coordinator, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Southwest and Personal Assistant to the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said: “We have taken similar steps in Ondo, Osun, and Ogun.
“ I am optimistic that this move, under the directive of our PG, Chief Mbata, will restore permanent peace in the leadership of Ohanaeze Lagos Chapter,” he said.
The Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, Mr Robert Obasa, also a chief, urged 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. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
Edited by Vivian Ihechu