The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has suspended the election of its principal officers in Lagos, pending the resolution of ongoing legal disputes.
In a statement made available to journalists by the Coordinator, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Southwest Zone, Chief Everest Ozonweke, the organisation directed that all election-related activities not conducted in collaboration with the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Headquarters be suspended until all pending litigations are resolved.
In the statement issued yesterday, all Ohanaeze Ndigbo stakeholders in the Southwest Zone, including state chapters, local government branches, and community executives, are to strictly comply with the directive to ensure a smooth and lawful transition of leadership.
Chief Ozonweke explained that the directive followed a letter from the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata, addressing the leadership situation in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos.
He announced the following decisions for immediate compliance across the Southwest Zone:
“Suspension of Elections: No elections, inaugurations or leadership transition processes shall be conducted in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos or any chapter in the Southwest without the express written concurrence and participation of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Headquarters. The directive from the National Secretariat remains in force.
“Respect for the Rule of Law: All court processes, orders, and matters involving Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Headquarters must be respected. Consequently, the General Assembly’s resolution directing the Headquarters to conduct elections in Lagos has been placed on hold, pending further directives from the courts and the National Headquarters.
“Non-Recognition of Unauthorised Processes: Any elections, meetings or appointments conducted in violation of subsisting court orders or without the approval and participation of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Headquarters will not be recognised or accorded legitimacy by the Southwest Zonal Office”.
According to the organisation, the office of the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos remains vacant.
“Adherence to Zoning: The zoning principle governing elective offices within Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide remains binding and must be observed by all chapters across the Southwest.
“Call for Peaceful Resolution: All parties were urged to embrace dialogue and pursue an amicable resolution of the dispute”.
Chief Ozonweke said the Southwest Zonal Office remains available to facilitate mediation and support any out-of-court settlement in line with the directives of the President-General.
He further appealed to leaders, elders, women, and youth across Lagos and the Southwest to remain calm, law-abiding, and united.
“Our strength as Ndigbo lies in our unity under one leadership,” he stated.
