Felix Mbata, Lagos state
Chief Leonard Okafor (Oba Ojoto) has been widely praised for his tireless efforts in brokering peace between the two factions of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, led by Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene (Udochia) and Chief Sunday Ossai (Stainless). On February 7, 2026, at Calabar Hall, Surulere, the peace meeting marked a historic turning point for Ndigbo in Lagos.
For three to four years, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State was divided between two factions — one led by Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene (Udochia) and the other by Chief Sunday Ossai (Stainless). Both leaders claimed legitimacy, with Chief Solomon holding a court consent judgment affirming his presidency, while Chief Ossai maintained he was duly elected by his supporters.
Chief Leonard Okafor, known as Oba Ojoto, took it upon himself to spearhead the peace process. He revealed that during the Christmas season, he traveled from state to state, refusing to celebrate his own holiday, just to bring the two leaders to a roundtable. His persistence paid off when both Chief Solomon and Chief Ossai agreed to write and sign a peace accord in front of Igbo sons and daughters, witnessed by a large gathering of Ndi Eze, chiefs, women leaders, and community members.
According to Chief Okafor, “To God be all the glory because when you try to make peace and it works, it is because the people you’re trying to make peace for are interested and willing to accept peace.” He emphasized that peace is the only path to progress and that the atmosphere at the meeting was filled with joy and hope for a brighter future.
A clear roadmap was set: committees for peace, harmonization, and elections will be formed immediately, with representatives from both factions. Work on these committees will begin from February 8, 2026, to ensure that unity is sustained and that elections for a new president are conducted fairly.
When asked about his political ambition, Chief Okafor said, “It will be an honor if Igbo people elect me, but we must look for our best. Whoever becomes president must know Ohanaeze well; otherwise, it will crash. Leadership is not for money-making but for putting the house in order.”
Conclusion:
The peace meeting, championed by Chief Leonard Okafor (Oba Ojoto), has opened a new chapter for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State. With both Chief Solomon Aguene and Chief Ossai committing to unity and a clear roadmap for reconciliation and elections, the community now looks forward to lasting peace, progress, and purposeful leadership.