By Prince Ubochi C. Ubochi
During my time abroad, I founded the Igbo Union in Cork, Ireland, and organized the most remarkable Iriji Festival to date — a cultural feat that remains unmatched. That initiative evolved into Ohanaeze Ndigbo in several cities across Ireland and the EU. Our festivals attracted respected figures like Dr. Ben Obi, Late SG Col. Joe “Hannibal” Achuzia, and Late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Today, this tradition holds a permanent place in the calendar of many Igbos in Europe and beyond.
My connection to Lagos runs deep — I’ve had a home here since completing my NYSC in 1995. As I frequently traveled in and out of Nigeria, I became involved in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State during the leadership of Barr. Fabian Onwughalu. Having identified his challenges, I not only provided financial assistance but also facilitated two key meetings: one with our revered elder statesman, Commodore Ebitu Okoh Ukiwe, and another with then Commissioner of Police, CP Kayode Aderanti, which led to the release of several Igbo detainees. Barr. Onwughalu was grateful and our relationship continued positively.
In 2018, members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Eti-Osa visited me, requesting that I join them to meet the winner of that year’s Ohanaeze Lagos election — a man I had never heard of: Mr. Solomon Ogbonna. We eventually met him in a remote part of Eti-Osa after my return from a trip abroad.
Following his swearing-in, Ogbonna invited me to Surulere to see the Ohanaeze office, which had been rented through the generosity of Chief Damian Okoye, Chief Sunnex Ernest Ohanazoeze JP, and Chief Mrs. Violet Obiorah.
Soon after, the real picture began to emerge — endless meetings where Solomon persistently begged for money from me, Evangelist Chioma Adeoye, and Chief Sir Chris Offiah. He relied on us for financial support, spinning various tales to extract funds. I still have records of those transactions. Later, he informed me that I had been nominated for two important roles — the SDP slot for Ohanaeze and to chair the 2018 Igbo Day Committee.
I took charge of planning the 2018 Igbo Day with commitment and wide support from my network. I personally raised all the funds required for the event. To my dismay, Solomon later requested that I give him part of the money — a request I flatly refused. I had assumed he might contribute or at least assist in sourcing sponsorships, as Chief Everest Ozonweke successfully did with International Breweries PLC.
Despite pressure from him — and even appeals from Chief Everest and Chief Damian Okoye — I stood firm. I insisted that public funds should not be diverted for personal use. Eventually, I agreed to provide him a loan, but only after he signed a written agreement, a copy of which I still have in my file today. The event went on successfully, and I took some much-needed rest afterward.
Time passed. Apologies were exchanged, and my journey with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State continued.
Solomon Ogbonna joined Ohanaeze with nothing and walked away with connections and opportunities he could never have imagined. He owes the organization immensely. His unwillingness to let go reminds me of the saying: it’s easier to give a monkey a banana than to take it back.
