1999 Documents Show How Dim Christian Nwachukwu Was Crowned Igbo Leader in Lagos State

The papers, addressed to the then Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, detailed consultations involving Igbo community leaders and the Palace of the Oba of Lagos.

The documents emerged during Nigeria’s transition into the new millennium, a period when many ethnic associations in Lagos were streamlining leadership structures for better coordination.

According to the papers, the Office of Eze Ndigbo was created to unify various Igbo groups and serve as a single point of engagement with the Lagos State Government and host communities.

The records included an official letter of introduction, a 2000 press statement by the Igbo Council of Chiefs Lagos State, certificates of conferment, and appendices numbered 1, 2, 4, 36-53, and 58. They outlined the nomination, conditions for eligibility, and the roles played by prominent figures including Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II and Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Documents dated October 14, 1999, have revealed details of how Dim Dr. Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu was conferred and crowned as a leader of Ndigbo in Lagos State. The documents outline the process involving the Igbo community in Lagos and the Palace of the Oba of Lagos.

According to the document, a letter addressed to His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then Governor of Lagos State, was written by Chief Solomon Okonkwo, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo/Igbo Community Lagos State, and Martins Nwaodika, Secretary General.

The letter stated that the Office of Eze Ndigbo was instituted to enhance unity and better coordination of all Igbo groups in Lagos State. It noted that the overall Igbo leader would be installed jointly by the Igbo community in Lagos and Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II, Oba of Lagos.

The document noted that after consultations with prominent Igbo leaders and proper scrutiny, Dim Dr. C. Uchechukwu Nwachukwu was nominated. It stated that he was conferred the title “Igbo 1”, meaning leader of Ndigbo in Lagos State, and that certificates were issued to him.

A press statement by Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, President of the Igbo Council of Chiefs Lagos State, and Chief Solomon Okonkwo dated May 19, 2000, confirmed the process. It stated that applications for the position were invited in December 1998 from Igbos resident in Lagos.

The statement revealed that Dim C.U. Nwachukwu and Chief Nwabueze Ohazulike applied on February 9, 1999, and February 22, 1999, respectively. Both applicants paid a non-refundable fee of N50,000 each. The Igbo Council of Chiefs set three conditions for eligibility, including conferment by the Igbo community and Oba of Lagos plus approval of five other Lagos Obas, approval of the applicant’s home community royal father, and endorsement by Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

The document confirmed that on April 22, 1999, the Igbo community in Lagos, followed by His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II, conferred Dim C.U. Nwachukwu as leader of Ndigbo in Lagos, satisfying one of the conditions. On May 7, 1999, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was said to have publicly recognized the conferment during a funeral in Ihiala.

The press statement described Dim Nwachukwu as an industrialist, Chairman/Managing Director of U.O. Nwachukwu Holdings Nig Ltd, specializing in Jerry Cans, PVC Pipes and Nail Caps manufacturing. It also noted he holds the chieftaincy title Otun Gbobaniyi of Isolo.

The document further noted that he is resident at his estate at 17/19 Nwachukwu Drive, Okota, Oshodi Isolo LGA, and is a member of the Peace and Security Committee of Oshodi Isolo LGA. The documents were marked with appendices 1, 2, 4, 36-53, and 58.

Chief Okonkwo and Nwaodika, in the October 14, 1999 letter, officially introduced Dim C.U. Nwachukwu to Governor Tinubu as leader of the Igbo community in Lagos State and sought the government’s endorsement and recognition. The certificate attached shows the conferment took place at the Palace of the Oba of Lagos, Iga Idunganran, on October 5, 1999.

According to the documents, subsequent Lagos State Governors also engaged with Dim Nwachukwu in that capacity. In 2017, the Lagos State Government under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode gave Dim Nwachukwu the mandate to organize the Lagos at 50 celebration at the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.

The documents provide historical insight into the selection process for the apex Igbo leadership position in Lagos State during the transition into the new millennium. The publication is made for record purposes based on documents dated 1999-2000. Leadership claims and recognitions remain subject to community processes and government recognition at any given time.