KINGSLEY EBERE
A disagreement has emerged within the Lagos State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo following the announcement of a disciplinary action against Rev. Paul Eze a longtime member of the organization.
In a statement made available to the press, Rev. Paul said he was responding to reports that a group claiming to have held an “Ohanaeze meeting” announced his suspension for raising concerns about a decision involving the President General, Senator John Mbata.
“I am addressing this matter because my name has been mentioned publicly,” Rev. Paul stated. “The decision to write to Senator Mbata and other leaders was based on a verdict that was made and later not upheld. When leadership makes a pronouncement and deviates from it, members have a responsibility to seek clarity.”
Rev. Paul questioned the legitimacy of the group that announced the suspension, describing them as lacking the proper mandate to act on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos.
He traced his involvement in Igbo socio-cultural leadership to before 1998, noting that he served as Administrative Secretary of the Pan Ndigbo Foundation, PNF, led by Chief S.N. Okeke, former Chairman of the Police Service Commission. He added that since the formation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos in 1998, he has contributed his time and resources to the progress of Ndigbo in the state.
“I have invested so much in Ohanaeze — my time, my resources, and my reputation,” he said. “I remain committed to the unity and advancement of Ndigbo.”
The cleric further stated that issues of trust and consistency are central to leadership. “Trust is the foundation of leadership. Once that is broken, it affects the moral authority to lead,” he said.
He called on stakeholders to ensure that due process is followed in handling internal matters within Ohanaeze, and urged members to avoid actions that could divide the organization.
Rev. Paul maintained that he remains committed to the ideals of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and to the welfare of Ndigbo in Lagos and beyond. “I stand with the truth. I stand with Ndigbo. And I will not be intimidated,” he said.
Efforts to get a response from the faction that announced the suspension were ongoing at the time of filing this report.
The development has sparked discussions among members of the Igbo community in Lagos, with many calling for dialogue and reconciliation to resolve their internal differences.