CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The Board of Trustees of the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos, has written to its President-General, Chief Sunday Udeh, seeking written explanations over certain actions taken within his first eight months in office.
The letter, signed by the Secretary, Prince Obi Nwadigo, and the Chairman, Dr. Jonathan Nnaji, was addressed to the PG at No. 6 Anjorin Street, By Total Filling Station, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos.
According to the BOT, the correspondence is to obtain clarification on issues connected with the PG’s tenure and previous engagements with the Community.
The Board recalled the disputed 2019 leadership crisis involving Chief Udeh and the then President, Chief Ebere Ubani. It stated that both parties had brought their grievances before the BOT for resolution. The Board said that while it was considering the matter, Chief Udeh publicly declared himself President at Oshodi without awaiting the outcome of the BOT’s intervention.
The letter further stated that during the same period, petitions were submitted against some BOT members to law enforcement authorities at Alagbon over alleged misconduct. It added that legal proceedings were also instituted against the Board of Trustees at the Lagos State High Court, despite the Board’s position that it did not constitute the Electoral Committee nor conduct the election in dispute.
The BOT also noted that for about four years, Chief Udeh operated outside the Community’s framework. It said he issued certificates and recognitions relating to the institution of Eze Ndigbo and constituted a body called the Council of Ndi Eze of the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos. The Board stated that those actions were taken despite the existence of the duly recognized Council of Ndi Eze Igbo in Lagos, established by the BOT and the Community Executive.
The BOT said that in the interest of peace, unity, and reconciliation, it accepted Chief Udeh’s apology and facilitated a peace process that led to his emergence as President-General through a consensus-based selection.
In view of the background, the Board requested written clarification on three issues.
First, it asked Chief Udeh to state any constitutional provisions that authorized him to crown, install, recognize, or issue certificates relating to the office of the Obi Ndigbo of Lagos. It specifically sought explanation on the authority under which a certificate bearing the name of the Igbo Speaking Community and the Anjorin Street address was produced and issued.
Second, the Board requested details of his role, involvement, and actions concerning matters relating to the Eze Ndigbo of Lagos, including recognitions, appointments, endorsements, meetings, directives, or decisions.
Third, it asked why a directive to dissolve an unauthorized council operating under the Community’s name was not implemented, and to clarify his relationship with the group, which the Board said has continued to operate and has allegedly challenged the BOT’s authority.
The BOT requested that the written response be submitted within fourteen days of receipt of the letter. Copies were sent to the Secretary General, Prince Joshua Nnanna Kalu; Chairman, Council of Elders, Eze John Nwosu; and Chairman, Council of Ndieze Lagos, Eze Ephraim Nnaemeka.
