The leadership crisis rocking Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State has escalated, with two rival factions holding separate General Assemblies two weeks apart and announcing conflicting suspensions of key leaders.
The first meeting was held on Friday, August 15, 2026 at the National Stadium Auditorium in Lagos. The second took place on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Ojo LGA. Both groups claim legitimacy and have taken disciplinary actions against members of the opposing camp.
In a large turnout on 15th August, members of the Igbo community filled the National Stadium Auditorium for a General Assembly presided over by Acting President, Chief Linus Igbudu.
A communique signed by Secretary General, Chief Robert Obasi, announced the immediate suspension of three members: Mr. Mike Orji, Mr. Paul Eze, and Mr. Thompson Ohia, over alleged misconduct and derogatory publications against the President General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata.
The Assembly passed a vote of confidence on Senator Mbata and the Global Executive Council. It resolved that Chief Robert Obasi and other duly recognized officers will continue to function pending the final determination of a subsisting court matter.
The meeting also condemned a purported election of April 6, 2026, described as invalid, and called on Chief Leonard Okafor to renounce it. It urged the public and Lagos State Government to disregard any communication not signed by Chief Robert Obasi.
Dignitaries present included Southwest Coordinator Chief Everestus Ozonweke, Prince Ubochi C. Ubochi, Onyendu Ndigbo in Lagos John Greg Ngubadi, and other stakeholders. The event featured cultural displays from various LCDAs.
August 29: Ojo Assembly Suspends 5 Members
Two weeks later, on 29th August, the Elders Council convened another large turnout General Assembly in Ojo LGA presided by their president, Chief Leonard Okafor, Oba Ojoto and ratified the suspension of five prominent members.
In a statement signed by Secretary, Comrade Mike Orji, the suspension was carried out in line with Article 21 of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Constitution and Article 9 of the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Lagos State Bye-law.
The affected members were:
1. Chief Everest Ozonweke
2. Prince Ubochi Ubochi
3. Mr. Robert Obasi
4. Mrs. Violet Uche Obiora
5. Chief Linus Igbudu
A motion of no confidence was moved by Chief Virginia Odinaka and seconded by Hon. Chibuzo. High Chief Bartholomew moved for adoption, which was passed by a two-thirds majority.
The resolution bars the five from attending any Ohanaeze meeting, participating in any Ohanaeze activities, and representing Ohanaeze in any capacity. The Assembly also directed that all Ndi Ndu and Ndi Eze should not deal with them on matters concerning Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Lagos State.
Sources said the Ojo suspension was linked to alleged insubordination and actions deemed contrary to Igbo unity in Lagos.
With 8 leaders suspended by opposing sides within 14 days, Ohanaeze Lagos is now sharply divided. The development is expected to affect structures across the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs.
Observers say the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Elders Council may need to intervene to restore peace and prevent further division among Ndigbo in Lagos.
As at press time, both factions have urged members to remain calm and abide by the constitution of the organization.