IGBO Speaking Community in Lagos Reaffirms Leadership Roles, Urges Stakeholders to Resolve Disputes Internally

IGBO Speaking Community in Lagos Reaffirms Leadership Roles, Urges Stakeholders to Resolve Disputes Internally

By Naomi Onome

Lagos, Nigeria –

Chief Dr Sunday Udeh, President General of the IGBO Speaking Community in Lagos, has addressed recent controversies circulating on social media involving prominent members of the community. Speaking publicly, he sought to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the community’s leadership and urged stakeholders to resolve disputes internally.

Chief Udeh highlighted ongoing online discussions involving Eze Chika Nwokedi, Chief Solomon Ogbonna, and Chief Dr. Jonathan Nnaji, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He stressed that, according to the community constitution, the President and the Executive are the custodians responsible for implementing the constitution.

He categorically denied claims that the Board of Trustees chairman, Chief Dr. Jonathan Nnaji, had been disowned by the community, emphasizing that neither the community at large nor the Council of Ndi Eze had disowned any member. “The IGBO Speaking Community in Lagos has never, at any time, convened a meeting to disown anybody,” he stated.

Chief Udeh further explained that the constitution clearly defines the duties of every office, and urged members not to overstep their roles. He specifically addressed Chief Solomon Ogbonna, a former Vice President representing Ebonyi State and the current President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos State, acknowledging his contributions to the community over six years and describing him as a major stakeholder. However, he appealed to Chief Ogbonna to refrain from using the community’s name in external publications without Executive approval.

Chief Sunday Udeh described Eze Chika Nwokedi as a pioneer leader of the Igbo-speaking community who has consistently acted with guidance and integrity, never engaging in unnecessary controversy for personal gains. He noted that Eze Nwokedi’s contributions to the growth and development of the community in recent years are commendable and worthy of praise. However, Udeh emphasized the need for caution, urging him to refrain from making controversial publications in order to preserve peace and unity.

The President General called for an end to public disputes, stressing that any internal misunderstandings should be resolved privately. “We must settle our differences internally…within ourselves. We have capable people we can call into the office to resolve problems,” he said.

Chief Udeh reiterated that the Executive Committee holds the constitutional authority to suspend, remove, appoint, or recall certificates issued to community members. He asked all stakeholders to give the Executive time to reorganize the various arms of the association—including the Ndi Eze council, youth wing, and women’s wing—so the body can function efficiently.

Highlighting the example of Chief Sunday Eze, Chief Udeh praised efforts to maintain peace, noting that the cooperation of key members is critical to lasting harmony within the community. “If we still need everlasting peace, we must emulate Chief Sunday Eze,” he concluded.

Chief Udeh’s statement reflects a firm stance on constitutional governance and internal dispute resolution, aiming to restore unity and calm within the IGBO Speaking Community in Lagos.