Onyendu Okpotemba Gives Royal Blessing To New Executives Of Igbo Speaking Community Lagos

KINGSLEY EBERE

The protracted leadership tussle within the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos has finally come to an end, as Onyendu Uche Dimgba, Okpotemba, Leader of Igbo Leaders and Chairman, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders, Lagos State, has endorsed the new Executives led by Chief Chukwudi Chinye.

The historic endorsement was sealed on Wednesday when the new Executive Council paid a courtesy visit to Onyendu Dimgba (Okpotemba) in his Lagos residence in Ikeja to seek his royal blessings, fatherly guidance, and leadership direction.

Receiving the delegation in grand Igbo tradition, Onyendu Dimgba (Okpotemba) presented kolanut to the new leaders and offered prayers for peace, unity, and progress of Ndigbo in Lagos. He described the emergence of Chief Chukwudi Chinye and his team as “a divine mandate and a new dawn for Igbo unity in Lagos”.

Speaking during the visit, the President of the Igbo Speaking Community Lagos, Chief Chukwudi Chinye, said the delegation came to formally introduce the new Executives and to seek the blessing, wisdom, and political influence of Onyendu Dimgba for the progress of Ndigbo in the state.

“We have come to our father, our leader, the Okpotemba of Ndigbo in Lagos, to seek his royal blessings. Onyendu Uche Dimgba is the voice of Ndigbo in Lagos. As Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders, his influence reaches Alausa and Abuja. His support is the foundation for the welfare and security of our people,” Chief Chinye said.

Responding, Onyendu Dimgba commended the peaceful and transparent process that produced the new Executives. He charged them to prioritize the welfare of Ndigbo, protect Igbo investments, and maintain a strong working relationship with the Lagos State Government.

He prayed for the success of the new administration and assured them of his unwavering support.

“Ndigbo in Lagos must speak with one voice. With this new Executive and by God’s grace, we will achieve greater things for our people in business, security, education, and political representation. I am proud of you, and I stand firmly behind you,” Onyendu Dimgba declared.

Community leaders who witnessed the event described the royal blessing as the final seal on the leadership of Chief Chinye’s team, and the clear end to Chief Sunday Udeh’s faction.

For decades, Onyendu Uche Dimgba, Okpotemba, has remained the most influential, respected, and unifying figure among Ndigbo in Lagos. As a Leader of Igbo Leaders and Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders, he has defended Igbo businesses, mediated community crises, preserved Igbo culture, and ensured Ndigbo have a seat at the decision-making table in Lagos.

His wisdom, courage, and diplomatic relationship with government have made him the rallying point whenever issues affecting Ndigbo arise. From market issues to political appointments and community welfare, Okpotemba has consistently spoken and acted in the best interest of his people.

Stakeholders say his endorsement will bring lasting stability because he commands the respect of elders, youths, market leaders, and political stakeholders across the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in Lagos.

In their remarks, members of the new Executive pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them. They promised to focus on scholarships for Igbo children, business empowerment, security of Igbo assets in Lagos, and the promotion of Igbo language and culture.

The visit ended with prayers, traditional greetings, and photographs as the new Executives departed with renewed hope and a clear mandate to serve Ndigbo under the guidance of their father and leader.

With Onyendu Uche Dimgba (Okpotemba) now fully behind them, observers say the Igbo Speaking Community Lagos has entered a new era of unity, strength, and development.