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Tensions within Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State have escalated as a broad coalition of chairmen and executives across multiple local government and LCDA chapters publicly reject an ongoing election allegedly being conducted in defiance of a subsisting court order.
In a series of responses to media inquiries, the leaders unanimously denied involvement in the process and reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law, warning that any action taken in violation of the court’s directive would be null and void.
Mrs. Violet Uche Obiora, the Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, confirmed she was present during the court proceedings and witnessed the ruling firsthand. She emphasized her decision to abstain from the exercise, expressing confidence that “the voice of the court will be heard.”
Chief Dan Emeka Onwah, Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ijede LCDA, stated that neither he nor his executive members were aware of or participating in any such election. He stressed that the court order clearly bars any faction from conducting elections, warning that “any illegality against the court order will be null and void at the end of the day.”
From Iba LCDA, the chairman Elder Bernard Njoku also disassociated himself, describing those proceeding with the election as “law breakers” who should be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.
Chief Collins T. Ezeilo, Chairman of Lagos Mainland LGA, described the process as an “illegitimate election,” noting that it directly contravenes the court’s directive to maintain the status quo. He further decried what he termed the spread of “propaganda and lies” aimed at exploiting Ndigbo in Lagos State.
High Chief Charles Ikechukwu Ogbu, Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Mosan Okunola LCDA, equally distanced himself and his chapter from the process, describing it as contrary to the court order.
At the state level, Itodo David Okechukwu, Assistant Chief Protocol Officer, issued a firm rejection of the exercise, labeling it a “kangaroo election” and urging all parties to respect due process, legality, and the integrity of the organization.
Engr. Boniface Ajibo Chidi, Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ibeju-Lekki LGA, also condemned the development in strong terms. He alleged that Mr. Solomon Aguene Ogbonna and his group proceeded with the election despite a clear court injunction restraining such actions. Describing the move as a “total disregard to a court of competent jurisdiction,” he firmly stated that his chapter is not in any way associated with the process, declaring that “the result of such election is dead on arrival.”
Adding to the chorus of opposition, Prince Ikechukwu Benjamin Nnadi, Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Kosofe Local Government Area, stated that he was not even aware of any election taking place. He described the exercise as unlawful and warned that such actions “portray the entire Igbo as lawless.”
In a unified stance, the executives of Shomolu LGA and Ojodu LCDA chapters also issued official statements dissociating themselves from what they described as “purported or illegal elections” conducted by the Solomon Ogbonna Electoral Committee.
The Shomolu LGA statement was endorsed by Hon. Dikeocha Christopher, Chairman of the chapter, while the Ojodu LCDA position was signed by High Chief Otunba Chukwuemeka Celestine Ugwu, Chairman. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the subsisting court directive maintaining the status quo ante and declared that any action taken in defiance of it is “null, void, and unacceptable.”
The alignment of positions across these chapters highlights a deepening internal divide within Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, while also underscoring a strong and consistent demand for adherence to legality and due process.
As tensions continue to rise, attention now turns to whether those proceeding with the election will comply with the court’s directive—or face the legal consequences of defying a lawful order.
