Lagos: The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State chapter, has made a public appeal for peace and unity within its ranks to further the group’s objectives. The Acting President, Chief Linus Igbudu, addressed journalists in Lagos, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding among members.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the organization has been grappling with a leadership crisis, which has hindered its operations and progress. Chief Igbudu criticized the crisis and urged for reconciliation and harmony among the disagreeing factions within the group.
Igbudu highlighted that the leadership crisis originated from the former President, Solomon Ogbonna, who attempted to extend his tenure against the directives of the group’s national leadership and its constitution, leading to a contentious consent judgment. As a result, this has caused setbacks not just for the Lagos State chapter but also for the national executives.
Efforts are underway, involving the 2022/2026 executives of Ohanaeze Lagos, LGA Chairmen,
and key stakeholders, to engage in reconciliation and healing discussions. These efforts aim to address past grievances and set the organization on a path of growth and unity. Emphasizing transparency and communication, Igbudu stated that the objective is to promote the interests of the Ndigbo community in Lagos State, in line with the principles of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
To facilitate genuine peace and reconciliation, a Local Organising Committee and a Truth and Reconciliation Committee have been formed to gather grievances and propose solutions. Chief Igbudu also warned against superficial reconciliations and advocated for true and lasting peace.
He reaffirmed Ohanaeze’s core values of peace, justice, unity, and love, stressing that leadership should be about serving the community. The organization has also constituted a Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which await formal inauguration. The LOC is chaired by Mr. Kevin Oguine, with Mrs. Ada Ofegbu as Secret
ary, while the TRC is chaired by Nze John Paul-Ezenwaka, with Mr. Asomugha JohnPaul as Secretary.
The TRC is modeled after successful truth-seeking panels like South Africa’s TRC and Nigeria’s Oputa Panel, providing a platform for sincere dialogue and reconciliation. The LOC will collaborate with the Ohanaeze Worldwide National Electoral Committee to ensure credible elections in Lagos State.
Chief Igbudu concluded by urging all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, uphold the group’s constitution, and work towards a peaceful and credible electoral process. He expressed appreciation for the community’s support in reinforcing the values of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.