Igbo Speaking Community President-General Rejects BOT Queries, Cites Constitution Breach

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

The President-General of Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos State, has faulted the actions of the Board of Trustees, saying any meeting held without his participation violates the association’s constitution.

In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Incorporated Board of Trustees at No. 28, Okonlanwon Ajayi Street, Surulere, Lagos, the President-General said he assumed office in September 2025 and swore to uphold the community’s constitution.

He was responding to a letter from the Board dated June 25, 2026, which sought explanation for certain actions taken by his office since assumption of office.

The President-General stated that the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos State is a Non-Governmental Organisation registered as an Incorporated Trustee under Part F of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020. He noted that the association’s constitution, filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Abuja, remains the guiding document for all activities.

Citing Article 16 of the constitution, he said the Board of Trustees must have 20 members at all times to carry out any valid activity. He added that Article 16(a-j) lists membership of the board, with sub-article (a) specifically naming “The President of the Association” as a member.

He alleged that the board has operated for over ten years in breach of the constitutional provision on number and membership. He said he has not participated in any board meeting since commencing office.

The President-General further cited Article 8(2) on the duties of officers, and sub-article 8(1a) which provides that the President-General shall preside over all meetings, including General, Emergency, Executive and Trustees meetings, and execute all decisions of the Central Executive Council.

According to him, a combined reading of Articles 8 and 16 confers automatic membership of the Board of Trustees on him and the inalienable power to preside over its meetings.

He declared that any purported meeting or gathering claiming to represent the Board of Trustees in his absence, and without written delegation of authority from him, is inconsistent with the constitution and therefore illegal, null and void.

He described the June 25 letter, signed by the Secretary and a “self-appointed” Chairman of the Board, Dr Jonathan Nnaji, as being without his constituted authority and thus ultra vires. He said he would make no further reference to the letter.

The President-General invoked legal maxims including “He Who Comes To Equity Must Come With Clean Hands” and “He Who Seeks Equity Must Do Equity,” arguing that the board’s letter lacks merit, jurisdiction and is incurably incompetent.

He also referenced Section 837 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 on powers vested in trustees, and urged that all actions of the association must align with the constitution to avoid illegality.

Copies were sent to the Secretary General, Prince Joshua Nnanna Kalu; Chairman, Council of Elders, Eze John Nwosu; and Chairman, Council of Ndieze Lagos, Eze Ephraim Nnaemeka.