THOUSANDS OF OHANAEZE MEMBERS CONVERGE IN LAGOS, SETS AGENDA FOR PEACE AND UNITY, SUSPENDS OZONWEKE, OBASI, UBOCHI, NWANZE AND OTHERS.

Ohanaeze Lagos President, Chief Leo Okafor ( left), Secretary, Comrade Mike Orji ( centre), and others at the monthly general assemby meeting, at LASU.

Ohanaeze Lagos, LGA Chairmen

By Tony Udemba

At the Femi Gbajabiamila Hall of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, the expansive presence of Ndigbo from across Lagos State provided a vivid demonstration of the growing organisational structure and communal spirit of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State Chapter.

The occasion was the 3rd Monthly General Assembly Meeting of the chapter, an assembly that brought together members and representatives from across the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State, alongside the various organs of the organisation.

From the early hours of the meeting, the atmosphere reflected both the diversity and common identity of the Igbo community in Lagos. Delegates and members converged at the university venue, turning the gathering into a significant platform for consultation, interaction and the consideration of issues affecting the organisation and its members.

Presided over by the leadership of the Lagos State Chapter under Chief Leonard Okafor, the meeting assumed particular significance as the General Assembly, described under the organisation’s governing framework as its highest decision-making body in the state, deliberated on matters concerning unity, discipline, organisational stability and the collective interests of Ndigbo.

The LASU meeting was significant not merely because of the number of people in attendance, but because of what the gathering represented.

For an ethnic organisation operating across a sprawling metropolis such as Lagos, bringing together members from the 57 LGAs/LCDAs remains a major organisational undertaking. It also underscored the importance of maintaining a platform where members can meet, exchange views and collectively determine the direction of the chapter.

The monthly assembly initiative has consequently become an avenue for strengthening grassroots participation and ensuring that the affairs of the organisation are not confined to a small circle of leaders.

The August meeting was therefore both a forum for administration and a statement of collective identity.

Yet, beneath the conviviality of the gathering was an important organisational question: How does a large and diverse socio-cultural organisation preserve unity while enforcing discipline among its members?

It was on this issue that the Assembly took one of its most consequential decisions.

During the deliberations, the Assembly considered a presentation attributed to the Chairman of the Elders Council, Onye Ndu Uche Dimgba (Okpotemba), concerning what the organisation described as alleged anti-organisational activities by some members.

According to the resolution adopted at the meeting, concerns were raised over what the Assembly characterised as the alleged formation and promotion of a faction within the Lagos chapter, as well as activities it said were capable of destabilising the elected executive led by Chief Leonard Okafor.

The Assembly further referred to Article 40 of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State Bye-law, which, according to the resolution, provides for disciplinary measures in cases of misconduct.

The resolution stated that the affected individuals had been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and seek a peaceful resolution.

Following deliberations, the Assembly said it adopted the disciplinary measure by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

Six members were consequently announced as suspended from the activities, organs and privileges of the Lagos State Chapter.

They are Chief Ozonweke, Prince Ubochi C. Ubochi, Mr. Robert Obasi, Apostle Patrick A. Nwanze, JP, Mrs. Violet Uche Obiora, and Chief Linus Igbudu.

The resolution stated that the suspension would remain in force pending further review by the Elders Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State and the General Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

The Assembly also directed that relevant government agencies, corporate organisations, security agencies and members of the public be informed of its decision.

While the disciplinary resolution attracted attention, the broader message emerging from the LASU gathering appeared to extend beyond the immediate disagreement.

The meeting reinforced the importance of institutional structures in an organisation representing a large and diverse population.

For Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, the challenge is not simply to convene meetings, but to sustain an organisation in which different interests can coexist within a recognised constitutional framework.

The presence of members from across Lagos also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the principle that the strength of Ndigbo in the state lies in collective organisation rather than fragmentation.

Lagos, with its vast commercial opportunities and multicultural population, has over the years become home to a significant Igbo community whose members occupy important positions in business, commerce, professional services, industry and community development.

Consequently, the effectiveness of a body such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos depends significantly on its ability to provide a credible platform for dialogue, representation and community mobilisation.

The August 29 Assembly may therefore be remembered not only for the resolution suspending six members, but also for the larger conversation it represents about the future of the organisation.

As the chapter continues its monthly General Assembly meetings, attention will inevitably shift towards reconciliation, stronger internal structures and the ability of its leadership and membership to manage differences through established constitutional mechanisms.

The LASU gathering demonstrated that there is considerable enthusiasm among Ndigbo for a functioning and inclusive community organisation.

Important dignitaries at the event were the President and chief host of the occasion, High Chief Leonard Okafor; the ADC governorship candidate in Lagos State, Chief Gbadebo Rhodes – Vivour, Nze Godwin Egboka, Deputy President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos; Chief Solomon Aguene, President Emeritus; Chief Sunday Ossai, President Emeritus; Comrade Mike Orji, Secretary; and Chief Sunday Udeh, President-General, Igbo Speaking Community.

Others were Chief Chris Ekeocha, Vice President (Imo); Chief Chucks Smith, Vice President (Delta); Elder Adolphus Anum, Vice President (Rivers); Dr Chucks Nwosu, Vice President (Abia); Onyendu Dimgba Okpotemba, Onyendu Ndigbo, Ikeja; Chief (Princess) Rosemary Igweh, Women Leader, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos; and Chief Emma Ubah, among other prominent Igbo leaders and stakeholders.

Royal hosts of the event were Onyendu Sir Ikenna Onuegbu, Onyendu Ndigbo, Ojo LGA; Onyendu Dr Omenife Olikenyi, Onyendu Ndigbo, Oto-Awori LCDA; Onyendu Amb. Timothy Nwanoro, Onyendu Ndigbo, Oto-Awori; Onyendu Kenneth Aguedo, Onyendu Ndigbo, Imude-Shibiri; Onyendu Tochukwu Anosike, Onyendu Ndigbo, Ojo Central; and Onyendu Chukwuemeka Onuoha, Onyendu Ndigbo, Iba and Igboleri.

The host chairmen were Chief Joseph Ajoku, Ohanaeze Ojo LGA; Chief Anderson Ezeanyaeche, Ohanaeze Iba LCDA; and Chief Chimezie Duruchima, Ohanaeze Oto-Awori LCDA.

The monthly general assemby meeting also attracted prominent Igbo sons and daughters from various walks of life, including market leaders, business owners, community leaders,and friends of Ohanaeze Ndigbo from within and outside Lagos State.
Also, in attendance were some candidates of political parties who canvassed for the support of members of the organisation in the upcoming elections.

Nze Godwin Egboka ( Eze Eziokwu ), Deputy President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos