The apex socio-cultual igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo in a recent press statement made available to journalists by Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has said that “the attention of the National Headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has been drawn to the machinations by some members of the Lagos Branch of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to breach the provisions of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo constitution for personal interests.

“For purpose of clarity, the constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is a set of rules and principles that all the Igbo; traditional rulers, elders and indeed all categories of Ndigbo have adopted for the smooth run of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Emphasis is therefore made that the constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the symbol of Igbo strength and unity.

“Therefore Ohanaeze constitution is sacrosanct and should not be subjected to the whims and caprices of the elected officers of Ohaneze Ndigbo of any particular epoch. Based on the foregoing, it is hereby reiterated that the tenure of the current elected executives of the Lagos branch of Ohanaeze Ndigbo shall elapse on June 15, 2022.

“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in commending the current executive led by Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene for taking Ohanaeze to a higher pedestal has made it clear that no matter how efficient the elected executive of any branch of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the concept of tenure elongation for whatsoever reasons, should not in any way be contemplated.

“To this end, the National Headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has set up an Electoral Panel led by Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, a highly experienced Igbo technocrat, for the purpose of election of new officers for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos branch. Other members of the Electoral Panel include Chief Okey Ahiwe, Prince Emeka Udodeme, Chief Barr. Okeagu Ogada and Mazi Ambrose Obioha as Secretary.

“To further ensure integrity and credibility of the process, an Observer Team comprising eminent Igbo sons was constituted; they include Prince Gary Enwo -Igariwey, the former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo; Chief Dr. Sylvanus Ebigwei, the former Vice President General, Ohaneze Ndigbo; Chief Charles Odunukwe, former Vice President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo; Barr. Goddy Uwazuruike of the Aka Ikenga, Lagos; Chief Kalu Onuma and Uche Dimgba. The President General further directs that the Electoral Panel should work with the Lagos branch of Ohanaeze in order to achieve optimal results.

  
“Mention must be made that the insinuations suggesting that the Electoral Panel has an agenda outside the progress, peace and unity of the Lagos branch of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is from the pit of hell. On the other hand, Professor Obiozor charges the Electoral Panel to ensure that the Ohanaeze Lagos election is free, fair and very credible.

“All the Igbo Ndieze, elders, women and youths resident in Lagos are requested to cooperate with the Electoral Panel in the interest of the enviable Igbo heritage. Professor Obiozor reminds Ndigbo Lagos to be very prudent with the numerical strength that providence has thrust upon them in Lagos State. It is therefore expected that every right thinking Igbo should reject any form of inducements that may affect or undermine the good intentions of the National Headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.