Felix Mbata, Lagos state
The second Assembly meeting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State was held in grand style on Saturday at Abesan Stadium, Alimosho, Lagos State, with Double Chief Henry Imo, Nwahiri Agujiegbe I of Amakohia and Okenze I of Ejigbo, playing a leading role in mobilizing stakeholders for unity.
The event, presided over by President Chief Leonard Okafor, recorded massive attendance that organizers described as proof of strong backing for the current Ohanaeze leadership in Lagos. The meeting also attracted prominent Yoruba leaders and members of other tribes who came to witness the cultural display and solidarity of Ndigbo.
The stadium was filled with colour as masquerades performed, Igbo cultural dancers entertained guests, and assorted Igbo delicacies and drinks were served. The presence of traditional rulers and community leaders further underscored the importance of the gathering.
Dignitaries in attendance included High Chief Sunday Udeh, President General, Igbo Speaking Community; Eze Dr. Sir Ephraim Nnaemeka, Eze Ndigbo Aboru; Eze Chris Anyigor, Ezeudo Aboru; Eze Bonifere Oparaku; Eze Chikadioba; Eze Emmanuel Okpara; Onyendu Peter Umeh; Eze Lawrence Nnamdi; Prophetess Adaobi Favour; Nze Imo (Double Chief), and several others.
CHIEF HENRY IMO SPEAKS ON SERVICE AND UNITY
In an exclusive interview with The Unique Model Magazine, Chief Henry Imo said his commitment to Ohanaeze started from the grassroots.
“I love Ohanaeze and I started from scratch. By the special grace of God, the little experience I have in administration and leadership is making me more popular handling affairs of Ohanaeze in Lagos and my hometown,” Chief Imo stated.
Speaking on the last Ohanaeze election, Chief Imo, who also contested for the presidency, said he has since put the contest behind him and is focused on supporting the progress of Ndigbo in Lagos.
“The contest didn’t go my way, but I continue to show my love for Ohanaeze in all ramifications. The vision I have for Ohanaeze is the same vision Chief Leonard Okafor is applying and it is working for the progress of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos. I am happy because what I intended to do by contesting, the president is doing it.
Chief Okafor is my brother and friend. Both now and in the future, I am supporting his administration because I know he will do good and he is doing good. You can see that Ohanaeze has changed. It is like he has the same pattern I have and at the same time, it is like he is following my speech during my campaign,” he said.
RATING THE 2ND ASSEMBLY MEETING
Describing the event, Chief Imo called it “very colourful” and a sign that Ohanaeze is moving forward under Chief Okafor.
“Honestly, we have Ezes and Igbo leaders in Lagos and the diaspora, all are here today. The stakeholders in collaboration with the Igbo Speaking Community are all here and that shows that the administration of Chief Leonard Okafor is doing well.
My advice is that everyone should join hands and make Ohanaeze a moving train where everybody will enter and enjoy himself. The enjoyment has started, and by the special grace of God, we are going to join hands and enjoy it to the end,” he added.
YORUBA LEADERS BACK OHANAEZE UNITY
Chief Imo also addressed the presence of prominent Yoruba indigenes at the meeting, describing it as evidence of growing trust and partnership.
“Sure, because they have seen that things are moving well and that Igbos have come to stay in Lagos. It is their observation that there is no division again. When they noticed there is no division on the Igbo side, they started one after the other to come to us.
Those who do business, those who love Igbos and are friends with Igbos, like some of my friends, are here to celebrate with us. And they are giving us heavy support because they have seen that there is only one Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State,” he explained.
MOBILIZATION AND PEACE EFFORTS
As a stakeholder, Chief Imo said he continues to promote Ohanaeze through donations and grassroots mobilization.
“We do our best to mobilize people that are not aware because some people don’t know what is happening in Lagos State, especially meetings and union activities in diaspora. When you approach them and tell them what is obtainable from attending Ohanaeze meetings, they will respond.
By the special grace of God, we are getting more population at Ohanaeze meetings. We are increasing every day because of the capacity of what we are doing and Chief Leonard Okafor,” he said.
On peace among Ndigbo, he expressed optimism:
“No, I don’t think there will be disunity among Igbo groups again, because there is a stepping stone and an arrangement of administration that comes with unity in what is workable.”
IGBO CONTRIBUTIONS TO LAGOS
Chief Imo also highlighted the contributions of Igbos to the development of Lagos State.
“Igbos’ contribution is very massive. It is seen in all parts of Lagos State. You will see an Igbo man building houses and doing successful business in all parts of Lagos. Igbos develop swamps and forests to build houses and mansions. It is inborn for Ndigbo to develop wherever they reside,” he noted.
Summarizing the event, Chief Imo said the assembly was remarkable.
“The whole event is remarkable — from the attendance, the prominent Yoruba leaders that came, the assorted Igbo delicacies, masquerades, Ndi Eze Ndigbo who came in Igbo attires, and dancers from different tribes. It all added remarkable colour.”
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, cultural pride, and stronger collaboration between Ndigbo and host communities in Lagos.