Dr.Jonathan Nnaji Lands In Serious Trouble , As Igbo Speaking  Community Leaders Sacks Him, Disown His BOT Chairmanship, Plan Interim Board, Insists On 20 Years Audit, Account Probe

By Daniel Ohamadike

More troubles looms for Dr. Jonathan Nnaji, the embattled , self acclaimed Board of Trustees (BOT)  Chairman of the crisis ridden Igbo Speaking Community.

This is even as some top hierarchy members of his Community , yesterday literarily sacked him as BOT Chairman ,in what Igbo stakeholders described as kitchen Cabinet or palace coup.

His sack , our Correspondent gathered ,is coming on the heels of long standing grumblings and complaints by most Igbo-Speaking Community Leaders, who hitherto, had demanded Transparency in his 20 years chequered history of BOT Headship, Amid Claims of Power Grab and Financial Misconduct.

News Planet International reports that for sometime now,tension has been  mounting within the top leadership circuit of Igbo-speaking community in Lagos State ,over allegations of leadership irregularities, the absence of a functional Board of Trustees (BOT), and claims of misconduct against the alleged self-proclaimed chairman, Dr Jonathan Nnaji.

As the Crisis Deepens , Topmost leaders of the Igbo-Speaking Community yesterday , decided to take the bull by the horn and boldly  Rejected Dr. Nnaji BOT Chairmanship, sacked him and immediately Moves To Institute Interim Board To Audit, Probe His 20 Years Defacto Tenue

At a press briefing held at Ijegun ,Lagos and anchored By Eze Dr. Chika Nwokedi, Members of the community have raised concerns over what they describe as a prolonged governance vacuum, particularly the absence of a properly constituted board of trustees despite the organisation’s registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

 Eze Chika Nwokedi, who is the Chairman, Council of Ndi’Eze Igbo Lagos State, the community previously had a 13-member board of trustees, but about 10 members are reportedly deceased, leaving only three surviving members without any formal process to replace the vacant positions.

The highly concerned Eze Chika Nwokedi  , revealed that the lack of an active and legitimate BOT has contributed to unresolved disputes within the community over the years. 

According to him, One such issue, which reportedly lingered for four years, was only resolved recently through the intervention of concerned individuals, leading to the resignation of a key figure, Chief Sunday Eze.

He alleged that at the centre of the controversy is Dr. Jonathan Nnaji, who he said had allegedly assumed the position of chairman of the board of trustees without a transparent election or formal endorsement by the community. 

Speaking legalistically ,Eze Nwokedi insists that it is constitutionally improper for one individual to claim control of the BOT, particularly in the absence of a complete board.

As a way forward, the council of Ndieze Igbo, Lagos State, and members of the Igbo-speaking community , therefore are called for a transparent and democratic process to appoint a new 13-member board of trustees, in line with the organisation’s constitution. 

They emphasised that such a body should have defined tenure limits and be empowered to resolve disputes and provide leadership oversight.

In the light of their jettisoning of Dr. Nnaji’s Headship, the embittered Council  also demanded  Dr. Nnaji to publicly present verifiable evidence of the existence and identity of any current trustees, especially as their names are reportedly listed in official CAC records.

Some of the stakeholders  suggested that such proof should be presented in court, where related matters are currently under legal consideration.

On financial impropriety ,Eze Samuel Aguene, the Secretary of the council of Ndieze Igbo, Lagos State, , accused  Dr. Nnaji of financial misconduct, including claims of extorting money from Ndi Eze (traditional rulers) in Lagos State under false pretences.

 They alleged that several affected individuals have demanded refunds and are prepared to testify. 

Threatening to deploy the weight of the law against Dr. Nnaji, some of their leaders ,opined that the matter will be better addressed by the law enforcement authorities, who obviously will soon invite Dr. Nnaji for questioning.

Additionally, concerns have been raised about alleged intimidation and interference in the activities of the community’s executive members. Eze Samuel says this has hindered effective administration and created an atmosphere of fear among leaders tasked with managing the affairs of the organisation.

In response to the ongoing crisis, some members have acknowledged the temporary existence of an “acting” board of trustees. However, the legitimacy and legal standing of this interim body remain subjects of dispute, particularly as the case continues in court.

The Igbo-speaking community continues to call for adherence to constitutional provisions, transparency in leadership selection, and accountability from those currently exercising authority. 

Igbo Stakeholders and other none Igbo Observers , are of the view that the resolution of the dispute will be critical to restoring unity and stability within the Igbo-speaking community in Lagos State.