The President General of Ohaneze Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata visited Lagos on a fact-finding mission towards the crisis militating against the Lagos Chapter of Ohaneze. The two leaders, Chief Sunday Ossai and Chief Solomon Aguene had the opportunity of meeting with the President General. The outcome of the meeting has erupted further controversy. The Chairman of Igbo Heritage Day Celebration, who was at the meeting and also a stakeholder of Ohaneze Ndigbo clarifies the issue in this interview with The Qoheleth. The excerpts:
TQ: As the President General of Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Inc. and Chairman of Igbo Heritage Day Celebration 2025, under the esteemed leadership of High Chief Sunday Ossai, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos Chapter, who was at the meeting with Senator Azuta Mbata in Lagos, could you enlighten us on the recent developments surrounding the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos Chapter leadership?
Apostle Nwanze: Certainly. We’ve been grappling with a distressing situation where Chief Solomon Aguene and his cohorts have been perpetuating egregious falsehoods and manipulating public opinion, ostensibly to undermine the integrity of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide leadership. Their actions are a stark manifestation of duplicity and a blatant disregard for truth.
TQ: Could you elaborate on the specifics of this situation and shed more light on the matter?
Apostle Nwanze: Chief Solomon Aguene’s actions are nothing short of reprehensible. Despite being aware of a contentious consent judgment, which he procured through dubious means, he brazenly orchestrated sham elections in 2022, appointing Chief Oliver Akubueze as the electoral chairman. This electoral exercise was a farce, and the resultant leadership, headed by Chief Ossai, was legitimized through a dubious process that saw the payment of a staggering N59 million. What’s more, Chief Solomon Aguene surreptitiously manipulated Chief Mike (Ozuomeh) into standing in court as a plaintiff, thereby securing a consent judgment that favored him alone, and his executive. This is a classic case of manipulation and deceit.
Furthermore, his recent propaganda claiming victory following Senator Mbata’s fact-finding tour is a gross misrepresentation of facts. As someone present at the meeting with Senator John Mbata, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, I can attest that the PG judiciously advised both Chief Ossai and Chief Solomon to continue functioning as presidents until their tenures expire in April and June, 2026 respectively. The PG also encouraged Chief Ossai to seek legal recourse to challenge the contentious consent judgment. Can this be misconstrued as a declaration of Chief Solomon’s victory? It’s either ignorance or calculated mischief on his part.
T Q: What message would you like to convey to the Igbo community in Lagos, and what actions do you propose they take in response to this situation?
Apostle Nwanze: We caution the Igbo community to exercise utmost vigilance against these manipulative individuals and their cohorts. We urge all well-meaning sons and daughters of Ndigbo to reject their propaganda and machinations, standing firm in their pursuit of fairness, justice, and adherence to the rule of law. Ultimately, truth and justice will prevail, and we have every confidence that the community will rise above these petty squabbles and remain resolute in their commitment to our shared values and ideals.
TQ: What is the consequence of the actions of Chief Solomon and his cohorts on Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos?
Apostle Nwanze: The facts show that Senator John Mbata advised both Chief Ossai and Chief Solomon to continue functioning as presidents until their tenures expire and encouraged Chief Ossai to seek legal recourse. What’s more disheartening is that these same individuals, responsible for unrest in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos Chapter, are attempting to mislead people into buying another election form, despite knowing it’s a sham. Conducting another election with Chief Oliver Akubueze as electoral committee chairman is a recipe for disaster. Ndigbo must wake up and challenge this deplorable deception. It’s time to demand accountability for previous resources and stewardship. The actions of Solomon and Oliver can only be described as fraudulent. They must stop treating Ndigbo like fools.
TQ: Thank you, sir, for this clarification.
Apostle Nwanze: You are very much welcome Sir. It’s been wonderful speaking with you.
