Igbo Speaking Community Moves to Revive Board of Trustees, Names New Members
….also calls for unity among Ndigbo in Lagos
By Naomi Onome
The Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos State has reconstituted and expanded its Board of Trustees (BOT) as part of efforts to strengthen constitutional governance within the organization, while prominent Igbo leaders renewed calls for unity and collaboration among Ndi Igbo across the state.
The decision was reached during the Community’s General Assembly meeting held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at its secretariat located at 28 Okanlawon Ajayi Street, Masha, Lagos.
The General Assembly, regarded as the highest decision-making body of the organization, comprises members of the Elders Council, State Executive Committee, acting local chapter chairmen and secretaries, youth and women leaders, as well as former local chapter chairmen and other stakeholders.
The meeting, attended by over 200 members, deliberated extensively on constitutional matters, leadership issues, local government elections and the future direction of the organization.
Board Expansion to Strengthen Governance
A major highlight of the assembly was the approval of the expansion of the Board of Trustees following concerns that the board had become largely inactive due to the death of several members and the advanced age of others.
President of the Igbo Speaking Community, Chief Dr. Sunday Udeh, explained that out of the original 13 BOT members, 10 had passed away while the remaining members were either advanced in age or no longer actively involved in the affairs of the organization.
According to him, the General Assembly did not dissolve the board but rather strengthened it by appointing additional members in line with constitutional provisions allowing for a maximum of 20 trustees.
The motion for the constitutional expansion of the BOT was moved by Chief Iyke Okwuma of the Isolo Chapter and seconded by Chief Samuel Nzurumike of the Apapa-Iganmu Chapter after extensive deliberations.
The General Assembly approved the appointment of additional trustees, including Eze Dr. Chika Nwokedi, Dr. Alex Sunday Mkpidike Nwoye, Chief Dr. Sunday Udeh, Chief Sir Sunday Eze, Chief Lawrence Agu, Chief Dr. Foster Ihejiofor, Eze Stephen Agabiga, Chief Godwin Umejiaku, Chief Godwin Njubuigbo, Chief Dr. Daniel Chukwudozie, Chief Dr. Chika Okafor, Prince Joshua Nnanna Kalu, Chief Chris Ekwilo, Chief Mrs. Doris Okere, Hon. Chief Mrs. Ngozi Chiwuko, Eze Dr. Jossy Egwuatu, Chief Mrs. Kate Ugoka and others.
Debate Over BOT Leadership
The meeting also witnessed passionate debates over the leadership and operations of the Board of Trustees.
Some members, led by Elder Chima Akomas of the Elders Forum, questioned the prolonged tenure of BOT Chairman, Dr. Jonathan Nnaji, and called for the dissolution of the existing board structure.
They argued that following the death of most BOT members, the board had effectively been operated by one individual for several years, a situation they claimed was inconsistent with the community’s constitution.
However, after legal interpretations provided by Barrister Emeka Ukachi and Barrister Charles Onyeaku, the assembly resolved that the constitutional solution was not dissolution but expansion and reconstitution of the board.
Chief Udeh maintained that the General Assembly acted within the provisions of the constitution by appointing additional members to restore the board’s functionality.
Ohanaeze, Igbo Speaking Community Emphasise Unity
The gathering also focused on strengthening ties between the Igbo Speaking Community and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.
President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State, Chief Leonard Okafor, popularly known as Oba Ojoto, described both organizations as partners pursuing a common objective of advancing the welfare of Ndi Igbo.
According to him, the Igbo Speaking Community manages community affairs while the Board of Trustees performs advisory functions, stressing that both organizations should collaborate rather than operate in rivalry.
“We are collaborating for the good of Ndi Igbo. This is not about politics but about our collective welfare. Ohanaeze is not political; it exists for the well-being of Ndi Igbo. We are pursuing the same goal, so there is no reason for division,” he said.
Okafor also announced a growing understanding and cooperation between Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Igbo Speaking Community, expressing confidence that the partnership would promote peace, progress and greater respect for Ndi Igbo among other ethnic nationalities.
Calls for Peace and Constitutional Adherence
Chairman of the Elders Council, Eze Dr. John Chukwudi Nwosu, urged members to remain committed to constitutional governance and peaceful coexistence.
He noted that legal interpretations had reaffirmed the authority of the General Assembly as the supreme decision-making organ of the association.
“The constitution remains our guide. Members should listen to the leadership and work together to avoid mistakes. We must also maintain peaceful coexistence with our host communities,” he advised.
Similarly, Ohanugbo Eze Ambassador Moses Hyacinth Dugwu, Eze Ndigbo of Ibeju-Lekki, emphasized the need for peace and unity among Ndi Igbo.
He disclosed that he attended the meeting following directives from Ohanaeze to work closely with the Igbo Speaking Community.
“My role has always been to promote peace. I have settled several disputes in the past, and I encourage Ndi Igbo to remain united and focused on progress,” he stated.
The meeting also formally recognised and certified the Ibeju-Lekki Chapter of the Igbo Speaking Community under the leadership of Eze Hyacinth Moses Dugwu.
Plans for Elections and Community Development
Addressing members, Chief Udeh announced plans for local chapter elections to be conducted between July 23 and July 30 ahead of the community’s annual August festival.
He also outlined key achievements of his administration and pledged to secure a permanent secretariat for the organization before the expiration of his four-year tenure.
According to him, the vision of the current leadership is to build a stronger, more inclusive and united Igbo community in Lagos.
“Our goal is to ensure that Ndi Igbo speak with one voice. We are not pursuing political interests but seeking unity, inclusion and the welfare of our people. We invite everyone to join the Igbo Speaking Community so that together we can build a stronger and more united Igbo nation in Lagos State,” Udeh said.
The General Assembly concluded with renewed commitments to constitutional compliance, peaceful collaboration and unity among all Igbo groups in Lagos State.
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