NDIGBO, WHY WE MUST SUPPORT CHIEF LEO OKAFOR’S DULY ELECTED LEADERSHIP IN LAGOS

By GODWIN OBI

My dear brothers and sisters, Ndigbo residents in Lagos, history teaches us that no people can make meaningful progress when they are divided against themselves. At a time when our people are confronted with enormous economic and social challenges, our greatest strength remains our unity, our sense of purpose, and our respect for the institutions we have built over the years.
The recent Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State election has generated passionate debates. While every Igbo person has the constitutional right to hold an opinion, our collective interest must rise above personal preferences. Democracy is founded on the principle that once a transparent electoral process has produced a winner, all stakeholders should rally behind the outcome in the interest of peace, stability, and progress. Endless disputes only weaken the very institution established to protect and promote the welfare of Ndigbo.
The emergence of Chief Leo Okafor as the democratically elected President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State presents an opportunity for a new beginning. Rather than prolonging disagreements, this is the time for every well-meaning Igbo son and daughter to support the new leadership in its efforts to unite our people, engage constructively with government and other stakeholders, and pursue policies that will advance the welfare, security, and prosperity of Ndigbo in Lagos.
Our WhatsApp platforms and other social media forums should not become arenas for hostility, character assassination, and endless recriminations. They were created to enlighten, inform, mobilize, and strengthen our community. Let us use these platforms to exchange ideas, solve common problems, and encourage our leaders instead of tearing down one another. No society thrives where insults replace dialogue and division overshadows development.

Those who may have supported other candidates have every reason to remain active in Ohanaeze. Their experience, ideas, and commitment are invaluable. The true test of leadership is not only in winning elections but also in accepting outcomes with dignity and working together for the common good. Today, the responsibility before all of us is greater than individual ambition; it is the preservation of the unity, credibility, and relevance of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos.
Let us therefore close ranks and move forward as one people. Let us give the democratically elected leadership under Chief Leo Okafor the cooperation, goodwill, and support it deserves to succeed. When Ohanaeze is united, Ndigbo become stronger. When Ndigbo are stronger, every Igbo son and daughter benefits.
Ka anyị kwụsị nkewa, kwado ezi ọchịchị, ma jikọta aka wulite Ohanaeze anyị. United we stand; divided we all lose.