Prince Ubochi C. Ubochi, a leader in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has stated that the court will have to determine the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State as efforts at amicable resolution have stalled. The interview was conducted at his office in Lekki, Lagos.
Prince Ubochi explained that the issues affecting Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State have persisted over time and are now before a competent court. He said the dispute relates to leadership processes within the Lagos chapter.
“On 28th August, 2025, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, visited Lagos and convened a meeting with selected stakeholders at Black Diamond Hotel, Victoria Island, to better understand the lingering leadership dispute,” Prince Ubochi stated.
He noted that at the meeting, he spoke on behalf of Chief Sunday Ossai who arrived later. Various positions were presented before the President General during deliberations, he added.
According to Prince Ubochi, Senator Azuta-Mbata observed that since the matter was before a competent court, the status quo should remain pending judicial determination. “He assured stakeholders that the Global Body would act in accordance with the law and any valid court order once the court pronounces,” he said.
Prince Ubochi recalled the court ruling of March 31, 2026, stating, “The High Court sitting in Yaba, Lagos, presided over by Hon. Justice Balogun, delivered a ruling in Suit No. YSD/9680GCM/2025 between Chief Sunday Ossai, Chief Robert Obasi and Chief Everest Ozo Nweke as Claimants, and Chief Solomon Ogbonna and Mr. Gabby Oseke as Defendants.”
He said the court directed all parties to maintain the status quo as of March 31, 2026, and ordered accelerated hearing. Counsel for both sides, Mr. Chino Obiagwu, SAN, and Mr. L.U.N. Ojukwu, accepted the ruling, he stated.
On subsequent proceedings, Prince Ubochi said, “At the Court sitting on 24th April 2026, the Defendants informed the Court that the purported election of 6th April 2026 which allegedly produced Chief Leo Okafor had not taken place. They requested Alternative Dispute Resolution, which the Court granted.”
Prince Ubochi stated that efforts at amicable settlement have not yielded results. He said, “Rather than allowing judicial process and peace initiatives to run their course, certain individuals continued to publicly project a leadership position that remains subject to litigation. Such actions risk undermining public confidence in the rule of law.”
He referenced the Ime-Obi meeting in Enugu on April 9, 2026, where Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide reportedly resolved that elections be conducted in Abuja and Lagos within 90 days. He noted the Global Executive Council may await further court developments, as the matter comes up again on June 19, 2026.
“As stakeholders, our responsibility is to encourage respect for constituted authority, adherence to judicial processes, and preservation of peace,” Prince Ubochi said. He urged all parties to promote unity.
Prince Ubochi commended the Lagos State Government, Nigeria Police Force, and DSS for maintaining peace. He also expressed appreciation to Senator John Azuta-Mbata for his leadership and inclusive approach.
Concluding, Prince Ubochi said, “My hope is that challenges will be resolved through lawful means, paving the way for a stronger Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State built on justice, transparency, inclusiveness, and respect for the rule of law.”