End Of The Road For Chief Udeh As Eze Monday Lawrence Gives Royal Blessing To New Executives Of Igbo Speaking Community

KINGSLEY EBERE 

The leadership tussle within the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos appears to have come to an end, as Eze Monday Lawrence, the Babaloja of Ladipo Market and Ezendigbo of Mushin, has thrown his full weight and royal blessing behind the new Executives led by Chief Chukwudi Chinye.

The endorsement was sealed on Tuesday when the new Executive Council paid a courtesy visit to Eze Lawrence in his palace in Mushin, Lagos.

The visit, described by community stakeholders as historic, was aimed at seeking royal blessings, guidance, and the fatherly support of the revered Igbo leader, who has remained a rallying point for Ndigbo across Lagos State.

Welcoming the delegation in grand Igbo tradition, Eze Monday Lawrence presented kolanut to the new leaders and offered prayers for peace, unity, and progress of Ndigbo in Lagos. He described the emergence of Chief Chukwudi Chinye and his team as “the will of the people and a new dawn for Igbo unity in Lagos”.

 

Speaking during the visit, the President of the Igbo Speaking Community Lagos, Chief Chukwudi Chinye, said the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new Executives and to solicit the blessing, wisdom, and political influence of Eze Lawrence for the progress of Ndigbo in the state.

“We have come to our father to seek his royal blessings and to tap from his wealth of experience. Eze Monday Lawrence is not just a traditional ruler, he is a bridge between Ndigbo and the Lagos State Government. His voice carries weight, and his support is critical for the welfare of our people,” Chief Chinye said.

Responding, Eze Monday Lawrence commended the peaceful process that produced the new Executives and charged them to prioritize the welfare of Ndigbo in Lagos, and a strong working relationship with the Lagos State Government.

He prayed for the success of the new administration and assured them of his doors being open at all times. “Ndigbo in Lagos need one voice. With this new Executive and with God’s grace, we will achieve more for our people in business, security, and political representation,” Eze Lawrence declared.

Community leaders who witnessed the event described the royal blessing as the final seal on the leadership of Chief Chinye’s team, and signaled what many called “the end of the road for Chief Sunday Udeh’s faction.”

For years, Eze Monday Lawrence has been recognized as one of the most influential Igbo leaders in Lagos. As the Babaloja of Ladipo Market, one of the largest spare parts markets in West Africa, and as Ezendigbo of Mushin, he has used his position to protect Igbo businesses, mediate disputes, and ensure Ndigbo have a seat at the table with the Lagos State Government.

His closeness to government and his grassroots connection with traders, artisans, and professionals have made him the go-to leader whenever issues affecting Ndigbo in Lagos arise. From market demolitions to political appointments and community welfare, Eze Lawrence has consistently spoken and acted in the interest of his people.

Stakeholders say his endorsement of the new Executives will bring stability, as he commands the respect of both the elders and the youths, and has direct access to key decision-makers in Alausa.

In their remarks, members of the new Executive pledged to work tirelessly to justify the confidence reposed in them. They promised to focus on education support for Igbo children, business empowerment, security of Igbo investments in Lagos, and strengthening cultural identity.

The visit ended with prayers, exchange of pleasantries, and photographs, as the new Executives left the palace with renewed hope and a clear mandate to serve Ndigbo under the guidance of their royal father.

With Eze Monday Lawrence now fully behind them, observers believe the Igbo Speaking Community Lagos is set for a new era of unity, visibility, and development.