Igbo Council Of Traditional Rulers Endorses Chief Obi For Lagos Ohanaeze President

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

The Presidential ambition of Chief Friday Obi, popularly known as Ugoabata, for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, has received a big boost following his endorsement by the Council of traditional leaders a.k.a Ezendigbo comprising 57 LCDA led by Eze (Sir) Chris Offia in the State. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the endorsement took place at the Ohanaeze State Secretariat at Surulere, Lagos, where Chief Obi  formally made his declaration to contest for the position.

Apart from endorsing him, the traditional rulers also offered special prayers and gave Obi their royal blessings to achieve his ambition as the election approaches. 

Chief Obi was accompanied to the Secretariat for the declaration by the Traditional ruler of Ijegun and Ijedodo kingdoms, Eze Chika Nwokedi, Okpoko 1 of Obodoukwu, Hon, Jude Idimogu represented by his aide, Eze Alex Nwoye, Ezendigbo, Ejigbo, who led the special prayer, Chief Chris Ekwilo and top dignataries from Ladipo Market including other markets associations and women. 

Chief Obi, who was the former President of Ladipo Market and graduate of Lagos State University, first paid a courtesy visit to the amiable President of Ohaneze, Chief Solomon Aguene, with his entourage to make his intention known before he went to the traditional rulers. 
Obi stated the he had gathered enough experience having occupied various leadership positions over the years and acquired education to lead the Igbo to promise land. He commended the incumbent President and stated that he has the intention if elected into office as President to build a  befitting Ohanaeze Secretariat and welfare of Igbo will be top priority for the less privileged especially the widows and youths in order to reduce crimes in the society. He solicited for support from all and promised that he will not disappoint if he is elected into the office and would work with all the stakeholders to achieve the mission of uplifting Ohanaeze to the greater height.

Eze Nwokedi stated that he supported the ambition of Chief Obi because he has acquired much experience to perform just like the incumbent Ohanaeze President, Chief Aguene and call all the Igbo to give him support to win the election. He emphasized the need to bring capable hands to manage Ohanaeze to continue to build on the foundation Aguene had laid in Ohanaeze.

The Chairman of Council of traditional rulers and Ezendigbo  Ibeji Lekki, Eze Offia, in response commended Chief Obi for his articulation on what he will do for the Igbo if elected. 

He explained that other aspirants has equally visited them and they will continue to engage the aspirants to decide who they will finally support during the election and directed the Ezendigbo present to pray for Obi. 

On the other hand, the President of Ohanaeze, Chief Aguene, commended Obi for doing the right in respect and honour and by making his intention known. 

He stated that he has taken note of what he has done unlike others who want him to relinquish power without his tenure elapsing and advised him to be patient till when the election will be conducted.
The event witnessed the exhibition of Igbo traditional music to entertain the guests present at the event.