- For Exemplary Leadership As President, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Lagos State, and Contributions to Unity and National Development
By Felix Mbata, Lagos state
It was a day of grandeur, colour and cultural pride as the Yoruba Study Group conferred its prestigious Golden Leadership Excellence Award on Chief Leonard Okafor, Oba Ojoto, the President of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, Lagos State.
The conferment took place during the 4th Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Lagos meeting held on 26th September, 2026 at Festac, Lagos, in the presence of a large gathering of Ndigbo in Lagos, members of other ethnic groups, friends and well-wishers.
The venue came alive with rich Igbo cultural dances, traditional music, merriment and feasting, as attendees celebrated both the unity of Ndigbo and the honour bestowed on their leader. Igbo leaders, traditional title holders, community stakeholders and politicians graced the occasion, turning the meeting into a celebration of unity and brotherhood.
The monthly meeting has continued to prove itself as a convergence point for political groups, businesses and organisations seeking to relate with Ndigbo in Lagos, knowing the president to be a renowned administrator, a man of peace, a detribalized leader and a man of integrity.
Speaking in a chat with the press shortly after the presentation, the President of the Yoruba Study Group, Mr. Adeosun Olabanjo Williams, said the honour was well deserved.
According to him: “The leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, Chief Leonard Okafor, is a very wonderful leader. We know he was elected by his people. We have been following his activities and concluded that he deserves our award, that is why we are here. He is a detribalized leader, a man of peace, he loves peace and he is an industrious man.”
Mr. Williams also used the occasion to speak on the mission of the Yoruba Study Group, which advocates for the revival of indigenous languages.
He lamented that many schools and even churches have abandoned vernacular in favour of English, warning that if not checked, in the next 15 years people will live in their own land as if in diaspora.
“We are saying our people should go back and include tribal vernacular in their curriculum and teach pupils and students. Jesus Christ understands Yoruba language, Jesus Christ understands Igbo language,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, an elated Chief Okafor thanked the Yoruba Study Group for the honour, describing it as a testament to the enduring bond between the Yoruba and Igbo. He dedicated the award to all Ndigbo in Lagos and pledged to continue working for unity, peace and progress.
He assured that the growing unity among Ndigbo in Lagos will continue to rise higher, adding that Ohanaeze under his leadership will remain committed to harmonious coexistence with other tribes.
The event climaxed with further cultural displays, photographs and celebration, as guests hailed the historic moment when Yoruba honour met Igbo celebration in the spirit of one Nigeria.