As the search for peace in the Lagos State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo continues, High Chief Linus lgbudu has emerged as the acting president of the organisation.
He replaced Chief Sunday Ossai who was accused of “gross misconduct” and removed from office, reports Daily Independent.
The organisation also set up a “Peace and Reconciliation Committee” to listen to grievances of members and reconcile the warring parties. It also set a Local Organising Committee to conduct elections to elect leaders of the organization.
Speaking to the press yesterday, Igbudu said that Ohanaeze Lagos has faced challenges stemming from a leadership crisis initiated by Chief Solomon Ogbonna, who said, sought to extend his tenure contrary to the directives of the national leadership of the organization and the constitution by securing a consent judgment.
He stated Ogbonna’s recent actions have set the organisation back, adding that the 2022/2026 executive of Ohanaeze Lagos, along with local government chairmen and key stakeholders, have engaged in extensive discussions to achieve reconciliation and healing.
Igbudu disclosed that the executive has reached decisions that will not only address past grievances but also reposition Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State on path of growth and unity.
He said that the executive recognize the importance of transparency and open communication, adding that their mission is to safeguard and promote the interests of the Ndigbo community in Lagos State.
The acting president stated that the “Reunion” party organized by Chief Solomon Ogbonna and Chief Leonard Okafor amounted to what many members described as the peace of the grave yard.
He added that the event aggravated existing tension and created further cracks in the unit and cohesion of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo
Lagos State.
According to him, following the indefinite suspension and subsequent removal of Chief Sunday
Ossai for gross misconduct, the state executive and local government chairmen passed a vote of no confidence in him, adding that the resolution was duly presented to and ratified by the General Assembly.
He said, “Consequently, High Chief L.E Igbudu, the Vice President for Enugu State was appointed and approved by the house to serve as acting president of Ohanaeze
Ndigbo Lagos State.
He disclosed that the appointment became necessary following the absence of Chief Sunnex
Ohanazoeze, the deputy president.
He also disclosed that the Local Organising Committee (LOC) will be chaired by Dr. Kevin Oguine and Dr. Ada Ofegbu as Secretary, adding that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be chaired by Nze John Paul Ezenwaka and Asomugha John Paul will be the secretary of the commission.
Igbudu stated that reconciliation committee was set to reconcile members, adding that anyone who has a grievance should go to the committee and air it.
He further disclosed the LOC will work with the Ohanaeze Worldwide National Electoral
Committee for Lagos to ensure that a credible and transparent elections are conducted in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State in line with the constitution of the organisation.
Igbudu asserted that nomination forms will be made affordable, reinforcing the principal that leadership in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State is a call to service, not personal gain.
He called on stakeholders to embrace dialogue and uphold the constitution and work collectively towards a peaceful, transparent and credible process in the organisation.
