The new executives of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos, led by President Chief Chukwudi Chinye, have revealed one of the reasons behind the removal of Chief Dr. Sunday Udeh as President General of the association.
According to the new leadership, the decision was taken during a General Assembly meeting validly convened by the Secretary General at the Association’s National Headquarters, Surulere, Lagos.
Addressing members at the meeting, the executives said the assembly was called to address growing concerns over the administration of the association. Members expressed dissatisfaction over alleged maladministration under Chief Udeh’s leadership.
Ten breaches were read out to the house, bordering on financial mismanagement, disregard for due process, and actions deemed to have brought disunity to the Igbo community in Lagos. After deliberations, a motion of no confidence was moved and passed against the President General and his executives, leading to their immediate removal.
One of the major allegations cited was the conferment of the Obiship title on High Chief Engr. Chibuike Azubuike Bethrand as Obi Ndigbo Lagos State on 8th November, 2024.
The certificate of Obiship, a copy of which is in circulation, was issued under the name of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos, RC: 11,534, with the motto “Unity is Strength”. The certificate described the recipient as the traditional head of Ndigbo in Lagos State and bears the signatures of Chief Dr. Sunday Udeh as President General and Engr. Chukwuma Odimegwu as Secretary General.
However, the new leadership stated that the Association, as a socio-cultural body registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, does not have the mandate to confer traditional chieftaincy titles that are traditionally the prerogative of monarchs and traditional rulers.
They noted that the action had created friction with the host community and caused division among Ndigbo in Lagos.
“Hence his removal became necessary to restore integrity, unity and respect to the Igbo nation in Lagos State,” the statement said. “We must protect the image of Ndigbo and ensure we do not overstep our constitutional boundaries.”
The meeting also approved the election of new executives to fill the vacant positions and other key offices in the association. The new team said it would prioritize reconciliation, transparency and strengthening of ties with the Lagos State Government and other ethnic groups.
The Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos has operated from its headquarters in Surulere for years and plays a critical role in representing Igbo interests, promoting culture, and fostering unity among Igbo residents in the state.
Stakeholders and elders of the community have called on members to remain calm and support the new leadership as it works to reposition the association for greater service delivery.
The Elders Council of the Igbo Speaking Community, led by Eze Dr. John Nwosu, Chairman of the Elders Council, has been formally notified of the changes and the introduction of the new executives.
Efforts to reach Chief Sunday Udeh for comments were unsuccessful as of press time. However, Chief Udeh has debunked his removal and insisted that his executives remain intact and that due process was not followed.