In a massive show of unity, the General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State on Saturday filled the auditorium of the National Stadium in Lagos, suspended three members over alleged misconduct, and passed a resounding vote of confidence on the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata.
The meeting drew thousands of Ndigbo from across the various LCDAs in Lagos State and reaffirmed Lagos as the largest and most loyal base of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide outside Igboland.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the Secretary General, Chief Robert Obasi, the Assembly named the suspended members as Mr. Mike Orji, Mr. Paul Eze, and Mr. Thompson Ohia.
The General Assembly was presided over by the Acting President, Chief Linus Igbudu.
In attendance were key leaders including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Southwest Coordinator, Chief Everestus Ozonweke (Onowu), Prince Ubochi C. Ubochi, Chief Kalu Uguru, as well as Chairmen and executive members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo from both the LCDA and State levels.
Also present were Igbo traditional leaders led by Onyendu Ndigbo in Lagos State, John Greg Ngubadi, members of Aka Ikenga, Ndigbo in Lagos, Igbo Amaka group and other critical stakeholders led by Chief Pascal Okoli (Ebekuo Dike). The event was made colourful with cultural displays of various Igbo traditional dances drawn from different LCDAs in the State.
The Assembly resolved that the three individuals are suspended with immediate effect from all activities and engagements of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.
According to the communique, the suspended members are barred from participating in any meeting, gathering, programme, or activity of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State or any of its Local Government chapters until further notice. The Assembly also directed them to tender an unreserved public apology to Senator Mbata and members of the Global Executive Council for their actions and publications.
The General Assembly condemned what it described as “derogatory publications” made against the President General across various media platforms and dissociated Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State from the actions and statements of the three individuals.
The Assembly further reaffirmed its confidence, loyalty, and respect for Senator John Azuta-Mbata and the entire members of the Global Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
On elections, the Assembly acknowledged that elections are due in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State and expressed full support for the Chief John Azuta Mbata-led Global Executive Council to conduct a constitutionally compliant election. Citing a subsisting court order maintaining the status quo, the Assembly said Chief Robert Obasi, other duly recognized officers of the State, and all sitting Local Government Chairmen will continue to function pending the final determination of the matter in court.
The Assembly called on Chief Leonard Okafor to publicly renounce the purported election of April 6, 2026, which it described as a “charade,” and to unite with the mainstream Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State in the interest of peace and collective progress.
The Assembly also placed the public and Lagos State Government on notice that no valid election of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State has been conducted, and urged that any communication not signed by Chief Robert Obasi should be disregarded.
The General Assembly appreciated Ndigbo in Lagos for standing firm on truth and thanked Barr. Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, and Professor Rose Anerlu for their support.
Members were urged to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes peace, harmony, and the interest of Ndigbo.