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Tension As Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Set To Visit Lagos Over Crisis

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KINGSLEY EBERE 
Tension is mounting in Lagos as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by the President General, Senator John Mbatal prepares to visit Lagos next week over the lingering crisis rocking its Lagos chapter.
The committee is coming on a fact-finding mission over the crisis that has lasted for several years and has divided members of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation in Lagos into two camps.
The matter, which has defied several peace moves, is now before the Lagos High Court, a development that has further deepened the division and raised fears among members that the crisis may tear the organisation apart if urgent steps are not taken.
Sources close to the national body said the visit is aimed at finding a lasting solution and restoring peace between the two factions.
The two factions are led by Chief Leonard Okafor, Oba Ojoto, and Chief Linus Igbudu.
Both leaders have continued to lay claim to the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos, with each side insisting it is the authentic executive recognised by members.
The prolonged leadership tussle has affected the activities of the organisation in Lagos, with members complaining that meetings, programmes and welfare interventions for Ndigbo in the state have been crippled by the crisis.
A member, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said, “We are tired of this crisis. It has lasted for years. Our leaders should come and settle it once and for all so that we can move forward.”
Another member said the visit of the national committee is the last hope for peace, adding that many members are now looking up to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to intervene decisively and end the factional battle.
“The court case has not helped us. It has only made our people to be divided. We want peace. We want one Ohanaeze in Lagos,” the member said.
It was gathered that the committee will meet with both factions separately and jointly, listen to their grievances and examine documents relating to the elections and leadership claims.
The committee is also expected to meet with elders, stakeholders and other Igbo leaders in Lagos to find a way to reconcile the warring camps.
Sources said the national body is worried that the Lagos crisis, if not resolved, could affect the image and unity of Ndigbo in Lagos, which is home to millions of Igbo people and remains one of the most strategic chapters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Nigeria.
As at press time, members of both factions have expressed readiness to receive the committee, but each side has also insisted that it will not surrender its mandate.
A supporter of the Okafor-led faction said, “We welcome the committee. We are ready to present our facts. We believe in peace, but peace must be based on truth.”
A supporter of the Igbudu-led faction also said, “We are open to peace. We want the national body to look at the facts and do justice. Lagos Ohanaeze must be one.”
The visit, scheduled for next week, is now being seen as a make-or-break mission for peace in Lagos Ohanaeze, as members wait anxiously to see whether the intervention will finally end the years of crisis.

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