LAGOS — The General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, has reaffirmed its commitment to truth, unity and the collective interest of Ndigbo, declaring that the organisation must remain a socio-cultural body and not be turned into a platform for partisan politics.

The declaration was made on Saturday, August 15, 2026, during the General Assembly held at the Old School Centre, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The meeting attracted a large turnout of Igbo sons and daughters from across Lagos, with prominent traditional leaders, town union presidents, stakeholders and officials of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in attendance.

The Assembly came amid recent developments and disagreements surrounding the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos and provided an opportunity for members to deliberate on the future of the organisation and the role it should play in promoting the interests and dignity of Ndigbo.

Ohanaeze Is Not a Political Party

A major message from the gathering was the need to protect Ohanaeze Ndigbo from partisan politics.

Members stressed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a socio-cultural organisation and not a political organisation, insisting that anyone interested in partisan politics should join a political party rather than use Ohanaeze as a vehicle for political interests.

The Assembly warned against attempts to politicise the organisation, maintaining that its primary responsibility should be to promote Igbo unity, culture, peace, development and the welfare of Ndigbo.

The gathering also emphasised the need for Ndigbo to reclaim their dignity and glory in Lagos and reject the perception that the Igbo people can be influenced or bought simply with money.

Members maintained that the Igbo community must stand firmly on truth, integrity and justice while building stronger relationships with the host communities.

Acting President Calls for Unity

The Acting President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, High Chief Linus Igbudu, expressed his appreciation to Ndigbo in Lagos for turning out in large numbers for what he described as an important and august meeting.

High Chief Igbudu commended members for standing on the side of truth and stressed that there is only one Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos.

He appealed to members to remember that they are brothers and sisters, despite differences that may have emerged, and expressed openness to reconciliation.

According to him, the priority should be to reunite as one big family, rebuild the image of Ndigbo in Lagos and strengthen relationships between the Igbo community and its host communities.

He urged members to put the collective interest above individual differences and work together towards a stronger and more united Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Chief Steve Etoluo KSM Chairs Occasion

The occasion was chaired by Onyendu Steve Etoluo KSM, Badagry Central, who joined other leaders and stakeholders in calling for peace, unity and responsible leadership within the Igbo community.

The gathering also featured goodwill messages and contributions from prominent Igbo leaders and stakeholders.

Hon. Chief Paschal Okolie (Ebekuodike, Ojinkeyeme) delivered a goodwill message, while Chief Sir Amechi Ebeledike, President-General of Anambra State, was among the distinguished VIPs at the event.

Dignitaries at the General Assembly

Among the prominent dignitaries and leaders who attended the meeting were:

• Chief Everest Ozonweke – South-West Coordinator, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
• Chief (Mrs.) Uche Obiora – Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.
• Chief Robert Obasi, FNIS, FCIPS – Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.
• Prince Ubochi Ubochi – Secretary, Committee on the Regularisation of Igbo Diaspora Traditional Title and Leadership.
• Chief Sir Amechi Ebeledike – President-General, Anambra State.
• Chief Ebere Dike – President, Anambra State Town Union, Lagos.
• Chief Innocent Nwangbo Odenigbo – President, Ebonyi State Town Union, Lagos.
• Nze John Paul Ezenwaka – Former Chairman of Chairmen.
• Chief Pascal Okoli – Stakeholder, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.
• Chief Daniel Emeka – Chairman of Chairmen.
• Onyendu John Greg – Iba LCDA.
• Onyendu Steve Etoluo KSM – Badagry Central and Chairman of the Occasion.

Their presence further underscored the importance of the gathering and the growing concern among Igbo leaders over the need to restore unity and stability within the organisation.

General Assembly Takes Firm Position

In its communiqué, the General Assembly condemned what it described as derogatory publications against the President General and associates of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, particularly statements attributed to Mr. Mike Orji, Mr. Paul Eze and Mr. Thompson Ohia.

The Assembly resolved that the three individuals be suspended from activities and engagements of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State with immediate effect and called on them to tender an unreserved public apology to the President General, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, and members of the Global Executive Council.

The Assembly also reaffirmed its confidence, loyalty and respect for Senator John Azuta-Mbata and the entire Global Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

On the issue of elections, the Assembly acknowledged that elections are due to be conducted in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State and expressed support for the Chief John Azuta-Mbata-led Global Executive Council in conducting what it described as a constitutionally compliant election.

It further maintained that, pending the final determination of the matter before the competent court, recognised officers of the organisation should continue to function in their respective offices.

A Call to Reclaim the Igbo Image

Beyond the leadership issues, the meeting carried a broader message about the future of Ndigbo in Lagos.

Members insisted that Ohanaeze must return to its core responsibility of promoting the cultural identity, unity, dignity and development of the Igbo people.

They called for an end to internal divisions and urged members to focus on rebuilding confidence within the community and improving relations with Lagos and other host communities.

The General Assembly also appealed to members of the Global Executive Council to uphold the highest standards of integrity and remain conscious of the trust placed in them by Ndigbo.

It expressed appreciation to Barr. Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, for her commitment and invaluable support, and to Professor Rose Ihuoma Anorlu for sharing her time and delivering an enlightening lecture on health and well-being of Igbos in Lagos.

The Assembly further called on all members to conduct themselves in ways that promote peace, harmony and the collective interest of Ndigbo.

The message from the gathering was unmistakable: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos must remain a united socio-cultural family, guided by truth, integrity and service—not a platform for partisan politics.

For the many Igbo men and women who gathered at the National Stadium, the meeting represented not only a response to recent controversies but also a renewed determination to reunite, rebuild and restore the dignity and image of Ndigbo in Lagos while maintaining peaceful and mutually beneficial relationships with their host communities.