“Ohanaeze Is Our Root, Our Culture, Our Identity Outside Igboland” — Chief Nwaode Ihunanya Louis Ezienyi ka ajo nwanne of Ojo. Vice Chairman Ohaneze Ojo LGA.Fin.sec, Eze in council Ojo, Hails Chief Leonard Okafor’s Leadership & Eze Onuegbu’s Decade Of Peaceful Reign
Felix Mbata, Lagos state
It was culture, colour, unity and massive turnout as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State Chapter held its 3rd State Meeting at the Femi Gbajabiamila Hall, Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo Campus.
Among the great Igbo personalities who graced the historic gathering was Chief Nwaode Ihunanya Louis Ezienyi ka ajo nwanne of Ojo. Vice Chairman Ohaneze Ojo LGA.Fin.sec, Eze in council Ojo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of L. Ling Merchandise Nigeria & Co., who spoke exclusively to The Unique Model Magazine.
What motivated your coming to the 3rd Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos meeting and what role did you play towards the success of today’s programme?”
I came officially as the elected Vice Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ojo, during the time of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene. I am here to ensure that we give the needed face and strength to host the Lagos State Ohanaeze Ndigbo meeting in Ojo Local Government Area,” Chief Nwaode said.
On the massive attendance and rich display of Igbo culture and tradition at the meeting, what is your take?
“Yes, it is always supposed to be like this. This is Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ojo, and Ojo has been in the majority from time in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos. That is what we are known for, because almost everything about Ohanaeze has its headquarters in Ojo,” he declared.
Why Ojo?
“Because Ojo is the headquarters of all businesses in Lagos State. One of the biggest markets in Africa is here — Ojo Alaba International Market, which has industrial, electronics, fancy, furniture and other sections,” he explained.
The rotation of meeting venues started under Chief Leonard Okafor (Oba Ojoto), President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State. What is your take on this?
“The rotation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo meeting venues is an amazing development. At least it gives us the opportunity to know who is who from a particular local government. Most times, some people will come to the state meeting and claim they came from a local government they don’t belong to and are not known at the state level. Rotation will expose that,” Chief Nwaode noted.
What does Ohanaeze Ndigbo mean to you?
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a household name of the indigenous people of the South East living outside their communities. It is supposed to be a gathering of Igbos so that we do not lose our culture and tradition. Ohanaeze is supposed to be a rallying point for Ndigbo so that they will continue from what they lost by not staying in their own land,” he stated.
Within the short period of Chief Leonard Okafor as Lagos State Ohanaeze President, how do you rate his performance?
“Chief Leonard Okafor is just starting. This is the third meeting. I think the more we meet, the more innovations will come up. I know he has good intentions for Ndigbo in Lagos from what he has started, but he needs all our support to make Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos exemplary,” he said.
What is your assessment of Eze Ndigbo of Ojo Local Government, Eze Sir Ferdinand Ikenna Onuegbu, who has been leading for over a decade?
Chief Nwaode was full of praises for the monarch: “Eze Onuegbu is a good supporter of any good motivation you bring. He has always been my principal. He is the kind of person that when he sees you with leadership qualities, he supports you and gives you whatever you need to perform well. Apart from financial support, he will always be solidly behind you. He is the type that loves peace. He is a renowned philanthropist and peacemaker. He loves development and transformation,” he affirmed.
Your words of appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of the 3rd Ohanaeze meeting in Ojo?
“I will start from my own side, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Igbede Zone. I thank my Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Igbede, Chief Ochikota, who is the Chairman of Ohanaeze Igbede Zone, Eze Ferdinand Ikenna Onuegbu, the youths, the women groups and others. May they continue to contribute positively towards the growth of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos. May Almighty God protect and bless them in Jesus Christ, Amen,” he prayed.
Conclusively, the 3rd Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State meeting at LASU has once again proven that Ojo remains the heartbeat and headquarters of Igbo business, culture and unity in Lagos. With the rotation policy introduced by Chief Leonard Okafor (Oba Ojoto), Ohanaeze is becoming more inclusive, transparent and rooted at the grassroots.
For leaders like Chief Nwaode I. Louis (Ezienyi), Ohanaeze is not just a meeting — it is a home away from home, a custodian of Igbo identity.
With the support of revered traditional leaders like Eze Sir Ferdinand Ikenna Onuegbu and committed stakeholders across Igbede Zone and Ojo, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos is set to become a model for other states.
Igbos in Lagos are united, their culture is alive, and Ojo has shown the way!