Ohanaeze Lagos: ELDERS BACK GEC,OKAFOR LEADERSHIP, REJECT “COUP” CLAIM.

President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, Chief Leo Okafor ( left), Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, Comrade Mike Orji ( centre) and others, at the Ohanaeze Lagos Monthly General Assembly Meeting, held in LASU, recently.

By Tony Udemba

The Elders Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, has thrown its weight behind the decision of the Global Executive Council (GEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide recognising Chief Leonard Okafor and his executive as the legitimate leadership of the organisation in Lagos.

The council also rejected the description of the GEC resolution as a “coup” against the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, saying disagreements within the organisation should be addressed through constitutional and internal channels.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Onyendu Uche Dimgba, and Secretary, Rev. Paul Eze, the council faulted recent comments attributed to Chief Kalu Onuma concerning the Lagos election and the GEC’s decision.

The elders maintained that the election which produced Okafor and his executive was conducted in accordance with the 2006 Ohanaeze Lagos bylaw and directives from the national leadership, adding that the GEC subsequently reviewed reports and petitions arising from the process before adopting the outcome.

The council further questioned Onuma’s involvement in the affairs of Ohanaeze Lagos, alleging that he was not a registered member of the organisation in the state.

It also raised concerns over the proposed “Ohanaeze @ 50” book project associated with Onuma, stating that the Lagos executive would formally communicate its position on the project after its next meeting.

The elders urged all parties to sheathe their swords and avoid statements capable of aggravating divisions among Ndigbo in Lagos.

They reaffirmed their support for the GEC resolution, the Chief Leonard Okafor-led executive and the leadership of Senator Azuta-Mbata, stressing that the overriding interest should be unity, peace and progress among Ndigbo.