Eze Ndigbo Ojo lists peace, Igbo language, traders’ unity as new Ohanaeze Lagos President’s first tasks; recalls Oba Ojoto’s “doggedness” at Alaba.
Felix Mbata, Lagos State
HRM Eze Sir Ferdinand Ikenna Onuegbu, Ezedioramma III, Eze Ndigbo Ojo Local Government Area, says Chief Leonard Okafor, aka Oba Ojoto, will serve Ndigbo in Lagos “with remarkable results” as the new President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Unique Model, the Eze hailed Okafor’s “doggedness and resilience,” insisting that the Alaba International Market turnaround under Oba Ojoto is proof he will take Ohanaeze Lagos “to stardom.”
Eze Ikenna, a renowned philanthropist whose annual New Yam Festival “shakes Ojo LGA and beyond,” stressed that Okafor “emerged to serve Ndigbo, not to sit on the benefits of Ndigbo.” His confidence is rooted in a long-standing bond: Chief Okafor himself revealed on July 24, 2022, that Eze Onuegbu gave “big support that assisted my campaign” when he was contesting, describing the Eze as a “quiet giver who never broadcasts his benevolence.”
‘OVERWHELMED WITH JOY’ — WHY OKAFOR IS THE MAN FOR THE JOB
The Unique Model: Eze, what was your first reaction when Chief Leonard Okafor was declared winner?
Eze Ikenna: I was overwhelmed with joy. It shows his doggedness and resilience, and his ability to serve Ndigbo in Lagos. I know he has much to give to Ndigbo in Lagos.
Chief Leonard Okafor is a man of integrity and a lover of people. The successes he recorded while leading Alaba International Market, Ojo, convinced me he can uplift Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos.
As a seasoned administrator known locally and internationally for successfully handling a conglomerate of businesses, he will invest his energy to take Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State to stardom. I am convinced he will deliver successfully during his tenure.
Why is this “the ripe time” for Chief Okafor to lead?
Eze Ikenna: It is the ripe time because he has featured prominently in Ohanaeze Ndigbo programmes and administration. He is not a newcomer. He has a wealth of experience in Lagos administration and knows the character of many Ndigbo here.
Moreover, Chief Okafor is a successful businessman. Whatever is required of him to give to Ndigbo in Lagos State, I am sure he will give it. He is not poor. As a philanthropist, he emerged to serve Ndigbo, not to sit on the benefits of Ndigbo.
THE 3-POINT AGENDA FOR “REMARKABLE RESULTS”
Eze Ikenna charged the new President to deliver results in three key areas:
1. Settle Disputes Amicably: “We are brothers. It is not wise to allow outsiders to handle our issues. He must ensure disputes among various Igbo groups are settled amicably.”
2. Save Igbo Language & Culture: “Our children in Lagos should grow with our culture, tradition, and Igbo language, because it is culture and language that distinguish us from other tribes. Most children born in Lagos cannot speak Igbo fluently. He should encourage parents to teach them Igbo at home.”
3. Mobilize Traders: “He should encourage Igbo traders to attend Ohanaeze meetings so they know about the affairs of Ohanaeze in Lagos. I trust him because he has a good relationship with traders, and traders will obey him because of his legacies leading Alaba International Market.”
‘A MAN OF PEACE’ — THE ALABA & AGUENE-OSSAI PROOF
The Eze pointed to Okafor’s record as evidence of the results to come. “I wasn’t surprised that Chief Okafor handled the peace meeting between Chief Aguene and Chief Ossai, because I know him as a man of peace. When he was leading Alaba Market, most issues that could have escalated, he handled and calmed the tension.”
“Chief Okafor believes peace is required to make progress, and he practices it. Several times, when he could have reacted against offenders, he forgave, moved forward, and still welcomed them back. These are the qualities that will produce remarkable results in Ohanaeze Lagos.”
ROYAL COUNSEL: PRAYER, NDIEZE, AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
Eze Ikenna advised: “Chief Okafor should be prayerful and always seek the face of God when taking decisions. God’s direction supersedes human knowledge.”
He warned: “He shouldn’t embrace gossipers and troublemakers, because without peace there is no progress.”
“He should maintain a good relationship with Ndieze in Lagos State, because we share the same vision of promoting Igbo culture and tradition. When disputes come to him, he should listen to both parties before giving judgment.”
“He should embrace those who contested with him and lost. Elections involve two outcomes: win or lose. But they remain Ohanaeze members. When selecting people to work with him, he should ensure they are efficient and honest people who will not betray his administration.”
CONCLUSION: ‘MAY HE SET A REMARKABLE STANDARD’
Eze Ikenna ended with a prayer that ties back to the headline: “I wish him success. May Chief Okafor set a standard of leadership that will be remarkable in the history of Ohanaeze. May Almighty God use Chief Okafor to change all the challenges of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos. Good luck, and may great success be with his leadership and his family, in Jesus Christ. Amen.”
For Eze Ikenna, a man known for donating land to the Four hectare land to ‘Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Egbeda, renowned philanthropist and opening Ikenna Star Academy for Catholic programmes, the evidence of Okafor’s capacity is already there. The expectation now is that Oba Ojoto will translate that capacity into the “remarkable results” Ndigbo in Lagos have long awaited.