KINGSLEY EBERE
The prolonged leadership crisis in the Igbo Speaking Community of Lagos may have finally been resolved, following the public endorsement of the new executive by Onyendu Peter Umeh of Mushin.
Onyendu Umeh, the traditional leader of Ndigbo in Mushin, received the new leadership team led by Chief Chukwudi Chinye on Friday at his palace in Mushin. The meeting was described by stakeholders as a turning point for Ndigbo in the state and a major step towards healing old divisions.
In a traditional ceremony, the monarch broke kolanut and offered prayers for unity, peace and progress among Igbos resident in Lagos. He said the emergence of Chief Chinye’s team reflected the desire of the people for a united front and a leadership that will put the welfare of Ndigbo first.
Addressing the delegation, Onyendu Peter Umeh said the community could no longer afford internal wrangling. He described the new executive as “a product of consensus and God’s timing” and urged them to work in the interest of all Ndigbo, both the rich and the poor, the traders and the professionals.
“Ndigbo in Lagos must speak with one voice. With this new leadership and with God’s guidance, we will record more gains in business protection, security and political inclusion. Our people have suffered enough from division. This is the time to build together,” he said.
The President of the Igbo Speaking Community Lagos, Chief Chukwudi Chinye, said the visit was to formally present the new executives and seek the monarch’s counsel and support. He noted that the community needed the fatherly guidance of Onyendu Umeh to succeed.
“We came to our father to receive his blessings and tap from his experience. Onyendu Peter Umeh has always been a strong link between Ndigbo and government. His backing is very important for the progress of our people. We promise to carry everybody along and ensure no section is left behind,” Chief Chinye stated.
Community elders present at the meeting said the royal blessing effectively closes the chapter on the rival group previously led by Chief Sunday Udeh. They noted that Onyendu Umeh’s position as a respected traditional ruler gives the new executive the legitimacy it needs to move forward and attract support from government and other stakeholders.
For years, Onyendu Peter Umeh has played a central role in protecting Igbo interests in Lagos. As the traditional leader of Ndigbo in Mushin, he has mediated disputes, defended traders during crises, and engaged the Lagos State Government on issues affecting Ndigbo, ranging from market policies to security and political representation.
His influence cuts across traders, artisans and professionals, making him a key voice whenever policies affecting Igbos are discussed in Alausa. Stakeholders say his intervention has saved many Igbo businesses and ensured that Ndigbo remain relevant in the politics and economy of Lagos.
Members of the newly inaugurated executive pledged to justify the trust placed in them. They listed their priorities as education support for Igbo children in Lagos, business empowerment and protection of Igbo investments, security of lives and property, strengthening cultural identity, and fostering better relations with host communities.
The event ended with prayers, goodwill messages and photographs, as members of the executive left the palace with a renewed sense of purpose.
With the full backing of Onyendu Peter Umeh, observers believe the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos is now positioned for a new phase of cohesion, visibility and development. Many hope this unity will translate to more appointments, better protection for businesses, and a stronger voice for Ndigbo in Lagos affairs.