Ohanaeze Lagos Elders Back Okafor, Reject ‘Coup’ Claim Against Azuta-Mbata

It was Saturday 29th August when Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State filed out in their numbers and gathered at the Lagos State University (LASU) to speak with one voice on issues of Igbo interest.

The atmosphere was charged but orderly at the Lagos State University venue of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos monthly general assembly, as elders of the organisation rose in strong defence of the Global Executive Council’s recognition of Chief Leonard Okafor as the legitimate leader of the Lagos chapter.

With members listening intently, the Elders Council declared that the decision of the Global Executive Council to recognise Okafor and his executive was valid, constitutional and in the best interest of the Igbo community in Lagos.

The elders also dismissed as unacceptable the description of the GEC resolution as a “coup” against the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, insisting that internal disagreements must be resolved through the organisation’s constitution and established channels rather than public confrontation.

The position was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Elders Council, Onyendu Uche Dimgba, and its Secretary, Rev. Paul Eze. The council specifically took issue with recent comments attributed to Chief Kalu Onuma over the Lagos election and the subsequent GEC decision.

According to the elders, the election that produced Okafor and his executive was conducted in accordance with the 2006 Ohanaeze Lagos bylaw and directives issued by the national leadership. They said the GEC later reviewed reports and petitions arising from the election before reaching its decision to recognise 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.

Another issue that attracted the attention of the elders was the proposed “Ohanaeze @ 50” book project reportedly associated with Onuma. The council said the Lagos executive would formally communicate its position on the project after its next meeting.

The elders, however, struck a conciliatory note, urging all sides to sheathe their swords and refrain from statements capable of deepening divisions within the Igbo community 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 objective must remain the unity, peace, progress and collective interest of Ndigbo.

The meeting ended with a clear message from the elders: whatever differences may exist within Ohanaeze, they must not be allowed to tear apart the bonds of unity among Ndigbo in Lagos.