CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The issue of Igbo leadership in Lagos State has resurfaced following confirmation from respected cleric, Bishop Dr. Femi Ferguson, that documents confirming Dim Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu as an Igbo leader in Lagos State are real, according to messages obtained by http://pmexpressng.com. In messages sent on June 20, Y2026, via WhatsApp, the cleric described Dim Nwachukwu as “extraordinary” and a “Table shaker extraordinarie”. He stated that he had asked Dim Nwachukwu to step in when the late Hyacinth Ohazuruike, also known as Mkpume, was sick and later assume responsibility after Mkpume’s death.
According to Bishop Ferguson, he first went alone and later with some Ndieze and other Igbo leaders, including Col. Nwakor, to support Dim Nwachukwu’s involvement in community matters.
The bishop stated that he is aware of all the documents being discussed and was part of some of them. He referenced an event over ten years ago during the Lagos @ 50 celebration at the National Theatre.
Bishop Ferguson said the daughter of President Bola Tinubu told Dim Nwachukwu that he was the only Igbo leader they know during that event. He said the President’s daughter was seated between him, Dim Nwachukwu, and Hon. Jude Idimougu.
According to the cleric, the recognition happened more than a decade ago at the National Theatre event. He maintained that the documents in question are authentic.
In a follow-up message, Bishop Ferguson affirmed that the documents were real. He added that Dim Nwachukwu is close to the present Lagos State Chief of Staff and also close to the wife of President Tinubu, but does not engage in “noise making or manipulation”.
Bishop Ferguson said Dim Nwachukwu is often contented despite his position as a confirmed Igbo leader in Lagos State. He stated that whatever position or recognition Dim Nwachukwu has gotten is a privilege, not a right.
The cleric also referenced Eze Nwachukwu in his messages. He said he would watch to see what steps Eze Nwachukwu would take next regarding the leadership discussion.
The comments came amid ongoing discussions within the Igbo community in Lagos over leadership, recognition, and traditional titles. Different stakeholders have expressed varying perspectives on the matter.
Community observers say questions around Igbo leadership in Lagos often involve documentation, consensus, and engagement with government and community structures. The Igbo remain one of the largest non-indigenous groups in Lagos State.
http://pmexpressng.com notes that chieftaincy and community leadership matters typically involve multiple claims and interpretations. Recognition can vary depending on process, acceptance, and context. Efforts to reach other parties mentioned in the messages for comment were ongoing at press time.