Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos Begins Historic Peace Mission.

It was indeed a defining and historical moment for the Igbo community in Lagos, as the president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, Chief Leonard Okafor, popularly known as Oba Ojoto, on the 2nd of May, inaugurated the Elders Council at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo secretariat, located at the Surulere area of Lagos.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Chief Leo Okafor said that the setting up of the Elders Council was aimed at restoring harmony, dignity and, collective purpose among Ndigbo in Lagos State. He stated that the revered body will be entrusted with the sacred responsibility of rebuilding peace, unity, and order within the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization .

He also said that the Elders Council symbolized the rebirth of hope, the return of wise counsel, and the beginning of a new era of reconciliation among the Igbos.

According to him , the decision behind the creation of the council came at a critical time when unity, dialogue, and collective healing have become essential for the progress and stability of the Igbo community in Lagos.

Speaking further, the international businessman and leader of Ohanaeze in Lagos, explained that the composition of the Elders Council includes, distinguished elders, traditional rulers, titled men, and accomplished leaders whose integrity, wisdom, and vast experience command deep respect across the Igbo nation. According to him, ” these are men whose voices carry the weight of history, whose counsel reflects the values of justice and fairness, and whose presence inspires confidence among the people”.

At the colourful and historic event which attracted former leaders of Ohanaeze, notable royal fathers, Ndi-Eze, respected Elders and other dignitaries, Eze Uche Dimgba ( Okpotemba) was inaugurated as the Chairman, while Pastor Paul Eze will serve as the Secretary. Together with other respected members of the Council, they are expected to lead the peace and reconciliation process with wisdom, neutrality, and sincerity of purpose.

Oba Ojoto further said, ” the mandate of the Elders Council, though timely and profound, includes, mediating and resolving disputes within Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Lagos State, even as the Council is expected to provide guidance on matters relating to culture, tradition, reconciliation, honesty, due process, and fair play. Their role is not merely administrative; it is deeply moral and symbolic; and therefore, a restoration of the age-long African tradition where elders serve as custodians of truth, justice, and communal harmony”.

For many observers, the inauguration represents a turning point in the affairs of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Lagos State. For over 4 years, the organization had passed through a series of crisis, including internal disagreements and divisions that threatened to distract the organization from its primary mission of protecting and advancing the welfare of Ndigbo in Lagos. However, with the emergence of the Elders Council, many now believe that the pathway to healing and stability has finally been opened.

Others called on the leadership of feuding parties to sheathe their swords and embrace peace and unity, which serves as the only option for a sustainable peace and unity.

Indeed, the atmosphere surrounding the inauguration reflected optimism, renewed faith, and a collective yearning for a stronger and more united Igbo community in Lagos State. Many attendees described the development as long overdue, while others viewed it as divine intervention capable of restoring confidence in the leadership and future of Ohanaeze.