Iwuanyanwu tasks Ohaneze Ndigbo, Igbo speaking community on sustainable peace and unity in Lagos
By Onome Naomi
The leadership of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu tasks Igbo leaders in Lagos to maintain unity while he addresses matters of concerns amongst the leadership and diverse factions.
The Igbo traditional leaders in Lagos under the chairmanship of Eze Chika Nwokedi of the Igbo speaking community and state president Chief Sunday Udeh told pressmen that the essence of Iwuanyanwu’s visit is to unite igbos in Lagos as they are no longer respected and united. The reason for the visit has been accomplished despite being lastly represented by his subordinate, Chief Chinedu Alex Ogbonna, Secretary General Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide to address the other leaders who converged to host the apex leader in Ejigbo area of Lagos.
Earlier on, the PG of Ohaneze worldwide Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu had met with the Chairman, council of Ndi Ezes in Lagos Eze Chika Nwokedi, the PG of Igbo speaking Community Lagos Chief Sunday Udeh and another to discuss the issues arising in the fold of the council and other factions, gave some words of advice, tells leaders to continue to promote peace and unity. He was also presented with a picture frame of himself as a gift by Council of Ezes. In a viral video seen online, Iwuanyanwu’s visit to Lagos also settles the rivalry on whom should mount the podium as authentic president of Ohaneze Lagos. He also officially declared Chief Ossai the authentic president as elected by the people, urges Chief Solomon Aguene to take a bow while he praised the ability and accomplishments of former PG Solomon as well as his reign.
Hon.Chief Chinedu Alex Ogbonna, the publicity secretary Ohaneze Ndigbo representing the National President General stated that the visit was requested by the Igbo leaders to identify with Ezendigbo in Lagos. Says igbos should continue to live in peace, keep the spirit high and show worthiness in all aspects of conducts.
Addressing a viral report that ‘Igbo leaders are not recognized by the Lagos govt and he who parades himself as Igbo king is liable to 2yrs imprisonment’, Chief Alex Ogbonna said; “Every Igbo community normally have a leader to intercede in its affairs whether nationally or internationally” and as such, will hold meetings to proffer solutions or act as the mouth piece of the people. The Lagos state government should recognise Igbo leaders as part of it’s growth and development, the context surrounding recognition of Ezes was misconstrued by naysayers, he added.
Alex Ogbonna also revealed that efforts is being made for Ezendigbo of Ajao Estate, Eze Nwajiagu’s release, affirms plans are underway to solicit his release as Igbo leaders are working around the clock to that effect.
Speaking with Eze Chika Nwokedi, Okpoko 1 of Obodoukwu, Ezendigbo Ijegun Ijeododo, Chairman council of Ndi Ezes in Lagos, he said that amid other reasons, the coming of PG worldwide to Lagos was also initiated to raise support for a colleague “Eze Nwajiagu” imprisoned for 9 months now over some misguided utterances during the last elections. He also mentioned that Igbo leaders are not indigenes of Lagos state and not bound to receive monetary funds from Lasg, igbo leaders only exist in Lagos because they are the mouth piece of their people hence should not bother about being state inclusive traditional leaders.
Other Igbo traditional rulers who spoke to the press at the event gathering in welcome of Dr. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu includes: Eze Jude Emeka Odumodu, Ezendigbo Isolo, Vice Chairman council of Ndi Ezes Lagos, Eze Emmanuel Okoro, Eze Chinedu Udozie Ezendigbo Riverine area of Oriade community Lagos and Eze Chukwuemeka Sylvanus. In unison, they acknowledged that the visit of PG worldwide to Lagos was cut short as he had an emergency meeting to attend in Abuja, the reason he couldn’t attend the gathering of Igbos who had waited for his appearance. Says the message meant to be delivered has been passed by his subordinate, Chief Chinedu Alex Ogbonna Secretary Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide who represented PG’s round up visit, expressed willingness to work with the Igbo leaders in Lagos to achieve a common goal thereby promoting peace and unity amongst the people.
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HRH Amb. Nicolas Emenike, Eze Eziokwu of Aigbaka Ejigbo noted that the invitation of Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was targeted at forestalling peace amongst the Ohaneze, unite Igbos, give fatherly advise as achieved. He said the major gatherings of the igbos should be to maintain peace and teach one another how to create and maintain wealth not depend on politicians. As the public relations officer of the council of Ezes in Lagos, Eze Nicholas affirmed there will be subsequent meetings on way forward to work with the declared president of Ohaneze in Lagos.
More photos from the gathering:
