KINGSLEY EBERE
Stakeholders and members of the Igbo community in Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State, have disowned the claim by Chief Moses Amobichukwu Nwokoro that he is the new Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Mosan-Okunola Chapter.
The stakeholders, in a statement made available to PM Express, said they do not recognize any election that purportedly produced Chief Nwokoro as Chairman.
Chief Nwokoro, who holds the title of Ohamadike Ndigbo of Mosan-Okunola LCDA, had earlier claimed that he emerged as Chairman following what he described as a peaceful, credible and transparent election. According to him, the election was conducted in conjunction with the Lagos State Executives of Ohaneze Ndigbo led by Chief Leonard Okafor, Oba Ojoto, in line with the constitution of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.
However, the stakeholders have countered his claim, insisting that no valid election was held.
No Election Due to Court Order, Stakeholders Insist
According to the stakeholders, Ohaneze Ndigbo did not hold any election in Mosan-Okunola because there is a subsisting court order restraining elections in Lagos State.
They explained that the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide led by the President General has reiterated that there is no recognized Ohaneze executive structure in Lagos State pending the determination of a court case between two factions laying claim to the leadership in the state.
“The position of Ohaneze Worldwide is clear. There is a court case and until it is determined, no election should hold. Any election held now cannot be said to be that of Ohaneze Ndigbo,” a stakeholder who pleaded anonymity said.
The stakeholders further stated that if any election was held as claimed by Chief Nwokoro, it may have been a private exercise conducted by him and his supporters and not an official election of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Mosan-Okunola LCDA.
Tenure Issue Raised
The stakeholders also raised questions about eligibility, alleging that Chief Nwokoro has held leadership position in Mosan-Okunola for about eight years, which they argue is against the constitution of Ohaneze Ndigbo that provides for term limits.
They said the constitution of the apex Igbo body does not allow for indefinite tenure and that any attempt to extend tenure beyond the constitutional provision would amount to a violation.
Chief Nwokoro, when contacted in the past, has always maintained that his leadership has brought peace and development to the Igbo community in Mosan-Okunola and that his emergence followed due process.
Public Warned
Consequently, the stakeholders have warned members of the public, government agencies, traditional institutions and business associates to be cautious in dealing with anyone claiming to be Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Mosan-Okunola LCDA in the name of Chief Moses Amobichukwu Nwokoro.
They stated that anyone who transacts business with him in that capacity does so at their own risk, pending clarification from the national leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo and resolution of the court matter in Lagos.
They called on the Lagos State leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo and the national body to urgently intervene in the matter to avoid breakdown of law and order and to prevent impersonation that could tarnish the image of the Igbo socio-cultural organization.
They also urged the Igbo community in Alimosho to remain calm and law-abiding and to await the decision of the court and official communication from Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to get a formal reaction from the Lagos State Executive led by Chief Leonard Okafor were still ongoing.
PM Express will continue to monitor developments in the Mosan-Okunola Ohaneze leadership tussle and bring updates as events unfold.
