Chief Okafor has set the stage for mass mobilization, cultural reawakening
By Felix Mbata, Lagos state
The drumbeats of unity are sounding louder across Lagos. The second General Assembly of Lagos State Ohanaeze Ndigbo, under the visionary stewardship of Chief Leonard Okafor, has not just been a meeting — it has become a movement. A movement that is pulling Ohanaeze out of the four walls of Surulere and planting it firmly in the heart of communities where Ndigbo live, work, and thrive.
What was once an exclusive gathering of elites has now blossomed into a vibrant town-hall of ideas, drawing in stakeholders, politicians, business leaders, and even members of other tribes. It is, indeed, a new dawn for Ndigbo in Lagos.
At the heart of this renaissance is a simple but revolutionary idea: rotation. By taking Ohanaeze to the Local Governments, Chief Okafor has set the stage for mass mobilization, cultural reawakening, and genuine grassroots ownership.
One of the royal fathers who lent his voice and presence to this historic shift is His Royal Highness Eze Emmanuel U. Okparachukwu, Eze Ndigbo of Agbado-Oke Odo.
EXCERPT: IN CONVERSATION WITH EZE EMMANUEL OKPARACHUKWU
Q: Your Royal Highness, how would you describe today’s 2nd Anniversary General Meeting at Abesan Stadium, Alimosho?
A: It was an outstanding assembly. This is the second General Meeting under Chief Leonard Okafor’s presidency, and we in Alimosho are deeply grateful. The decision to rotate Ohanaeze meetings across LGAs is a masterstroke.
For too long, meetings were confined to Surulere, limiting participation. Now, by bringing Ohanaeze to the grassroots, both members and non-members are trooping in. People who had never attended before are now asking how to join. This is the true definition of growth.
Q: Your image featured prominently on the meeting’s e-flier. What is the story behind that recognition?
A: I am a grassroots man. I founded Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Agbado-Oke Odo and served as Interim Chairman, then elected Chairman for four years. After my tenure, the community called on me to ascend the throne as their Eze.
My passion for Ohanaeze was kindled in 2011 under my mentor, Chief Oliver Akubueze. Today, every fiber of my being is committed to the progress of Ndigbo.
Q: Many Igbo children in Lagos are losing their language. What is Ohanaeze doing to preserve our heritage?
A: We are fighting back. Ohanaeze has championed Igbo language schools across Lagos. We also support the “Sụọ Asụsụ Igbo” initiative — Speak Igbo Language — run by one of our own. The goal is clear: our children must speak Igbo, know their culture, and wear their identity with pride.
Q: This meeting saw a large turnout of Yoruba elites and other tribes. What does that say to you?
A: It speaks volumes. As Ndigbo, we believe in “Ebe onye bi ka o na-awa” — wherever you live, make it flourish. We are guests in Yoruba land, and we must be good neighbors. Their presence at our meeting shows mutual respect and a shared desire for peace.
The Yoruba are accommodating. We are all Nigerians first. Let us build bridges, not walls.
Q: What is your message to Lagos and its traditional institutions?
A: My heartfelt gratitude. My relationship with my Oba is cordial and mutually respectful. We support each other’s events. During my New Yam Festival, his picture adorns our brochure. When he celebrates, I am there representing Agbado-Oke Odo. This is how brotherhood thrives.
Q: Finally, how would you assess Chief Leonard Okafor so far?
A: He is a listening leader. Every great leader makes adjustments along the way. With the caliber of people around him, I have no doubt he will not only correct mistakes but soar higher. He has started well, and I believe the best is yet to come.
Conclusively, the Alimosho assembly was more than a meeting. It was a statement — that Ohanaeze Lagos is shedding old skin and embracing a future of inclusivity, visibility, and impact.
With rotational meetings, cultural programs, and inter-tribal collaboration, Chief Leonard Okafor is not just presiding over Ohanaeze. He is redefining it.
As Eze Okparachukwu aptly noted, this is the dawn of a new era — one where Ohanaeze belongs not just to a few, but to every Ndigbo man, woman, and child across the length and breadth of Lagos State. Ka anyi jikọọ aka wuo ụlọ — Let us join hands to build.