KINGSLEY EBERE
The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, Lagos State Chapter, has cancelled the Oto-Awori LGA election following petitions from leaders in the area over the emergence of Prince Chimezie Chima in what they described as a kangaroo election.
The cancellation was contained in a directive issued by the State Executive Council (SEC) and signed by the State President, Chief Leonard Okoafor, and the State Secretary, Comrade Mike Orji.
The directive, with Ref: OHZ/LAG/SEC/EXE/11/2026/002 and dated November 2, 2026, was addressed to the Chairman and Members of the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Lagos State Electoral Committee.
According to the letter, the SEC, rising from its Executive Meeting held on Friday, October 17, 2026 at the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Lagos State Secretariat, resolved to suspend with immediate effect, the conduct of any further LGA/LCDA elections across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs in Lagos State.
The Council said the suspension became necessary to allow for complete inclusion of everyone at the LGA/LCDA level and to ensure lasting peace, unity and one indivisible Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo in Lagos State.
The directive further stated that any LGA/LCDA where there are issues and official petition after election was conducted would be revisited. This covers the Oto-Awori LGA election where leaders petitioned against the emergence of Prince Chimezie Chima.
Conditions For Resumption:
The SEC said no election shall be conducted in any LGA/LCDA until the following conditions are fully met with documentary evidence:
1. A meeting must be held at the LGA/LCDA level involving all stakeholders.
2. A written Undertaking / Peace Agreement must be duly signed by Ndi Ndu, Ndi Eze in that LGA/LCDA and the outgoing LGA/LCDA Chairmen.
3. The signed Undertaking must be formally transmitted to the State Executive Council and to the State Electoral Committee, clearly stating that peace has returned and there is consensus and agreement by all parties for election to be conducted.
Compliance:
The Council warned that any election conducted in violation of the directive without the above stated Undertaking shall be null, void and of no effect.
The letter was copied to all Ndi Ndu, Ndi Eze, Elders Council, all LGA/LCDA Chapters and all stakeholders.
The directive, according to the leadership, is in the best interest of unity and to ensure a strong, peaceful, indivisible and united Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Lagos State Chapter.
The directive effectively nullifies the Oto-Awori election, pending harmonization and a signed peace agreement by all stakeholders.