The Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos has resolved the internal crisis rocking the chapter as it inaugurated the state chairman, Mr. Sunday Ossai, at the weekend.
The inauguration was attended by prominent leaders of the Igbo Community in the state.
Special Adviser to the Lagos state government on Drainage and Water Resources, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, stated that Ohaneze remains the apex body for all Igbos.
He said the leadership crisis which rocked the state chapter did not defy a solution.
Igbokwe, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said, “Normally, we don’t get involved in the process, but the Ohaneze constitution says that the tenure is four years, after which you go.
“But somebody says he wants a second term, so, it brought about crisis and confusion. We are here to conclude the matter.”
He stated that going forward, “the next thing is reconciliation – those who said they want to continue in office, those who have been alienated – we want to bring back everybody.
“It’s a huge population. It’s a complex issue but we are dealing with it. The next thing is how to bring unity, peace, harmony, you go about your business and be law-abiding, that’s all.”
The new Chairman, Ossai, was presented his certificate alongside other elected members by a Chieftain of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Kalu Onuma, urged the new executive to remain united and carry everybody along in its activities in the state.
The Chairman the inauguration had settled all credibility issues of the group in Lagos state, after a protracted delay before the election.
He vowed to end the disunity in the body and give every Igbo in the state a sense of belonging by first reconciling all aggrieved parties.
Toward their empowerment, he promised to “register all Igbo businesses in a way that Ohaneze becomes their marker.
“We shall ensure that the interest of the Igbo shall be protected in our host state and communities as long as our people stand firmly in honesty, love, and hard work.
“To this effect, I have painstakingly, after due consultations, created as a matter of urgency, what I consider the most important committee that will reposition and redirect the focus of Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos state in line with my ardent desire to leave a remarkable and indelible legacy for future administrations,” he said.
