Oba Ojoto Floors Otunba Ojoto In Ohanaeze Presidential Election

CHUKA UBAH 

The winner of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State presidential election organized by Chief Solomon Aguene and Chief Sunday Ossai has emerged following the declaration of Chief Leonard Okafor (Oba Ojoto) as the winner with a wide margin. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the electoral committee Chairman, Mr. Cally Odoemena, declared Oba Ojoto the winner having defeated his rival, Chief Emma Ubah (Otunba Ojoto) with 457 votes while Ubah secured a paltry 146 votes.

The election was conducted at Enugwu-Ukwu Hall located at Lake View, Phase 2, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.

The election was earlier scheduled to hold on 16th April, 2026, but was held on Easter Monday because of the expiration of Aguene’s consent judgment, which will elapse on 8th April, 2026.

The election was witnessed by some observers including Eze Christian Nwachukwu, Eze Frederick Nwajagu, Chief Oliver Akubueze and some stakeholders including the voters from some Local Government Areas while many others boycotted the election.

Before the election, Oba Ojoto had earlier promised that if he is eventually elected as Ohanaeze Ndigbo president, he will unite all parties in Ohanaeze and bring lasting peace.

Here is the victory speech by Oba Ojoto:

“Today, history has been made.

The Igbo community in Lagos has spoken with one voice—clear, loud, and undeniable. You have chosen progress over division, strength over confusion, and unity over manipulation. For that, I salute your courage.”

“I thank you for standing firm in the face of pressure, intimidation, and distractions. You refused to be divided. You refused to be silenced. And today, your mandate has prevailed.”

“This victory is not just mine—it belongs to every Igbo man and woman who believes that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos must rise above personal interests and truly serve its people.”

“Let me be clear: the era of uncertainty is over. The era of decisive, people-centered leadership has begun.”

“To those who stood with us—our leaders, our women, our youths, our 57 LGAs and LCDAs, Ndi Eze structures—this victory is your reward for resilience and loyalty. You have proven that when Ndi Igbo/ Ezes stand united, nothing can stop us.”

“To those on the other side, the contest is over. The people have spoken. Now is the time to put aside differences and join hands in rebuilding a stronger, more respected Ohanaeze. There is work to be done.”

“My administration will not be one of promises—it will be one of action. We will restore confidence, enforce discipline, and ensure that the voice of Ndi Igbo in Lagos is respected and heard where it matters.

No more business as usual.

We will protect our people.

We will defend our interests.

We will demand our rightful place.

And we will do so with unity, courage, and purpose.

This is our moment. This is our mandate. And we will not fail you.

Daalu nu. Chineke gozie unu niile. Chineke gozie Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State. Chineke gozie Ndi Igbo” he stated.

However, the major task before Oba Ojoto now that he has won the election will be how to unite and bring on board the rival Ohanaeze faction led by Chief Linus Igbudu.

Another factor is the Lagos State Court order, which directed Chief Solomon Aguene not to conduct election pending the determination of a suit before the Court, which was adjourned till 24th April, 2026, for hearing.

If there is no peace agreement before the adjourned date between Oba Ojoto and the rival group led by Chief Igbudu and the election is nullified by Justice M.M. Balogun, it will mean that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State chapter has gone back to the trenches.