Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State is gaining fresh momentum as welfare, grassroots reorganization and reconciliation take center stage under the leadership of Chief Leonard Okafor (Oba Ojoto).
The landmark decisions were taken at the General Assembly meeting held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 in Alimosho LGA, which was attended by delegates from the 57 LGAs/LCDAs across Lagos State.
The meeting had in attendance top dignitaries including Ezendigbo of Lagos State, Dim Christian Nwachukwu; grand patron of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Livinus Okpara, Ezendigbo in Alimosho, Eze Lawrence Nnamdi Eze; President of Igbo Speaking Community, Chief Sunday Udeh; Chairman, Council of Ezendigbo in Lagos State, Eze Ephraim Nnaemeka; National Coordinator of Ndigbo Media Forum, Rev. Paul Eze; Market Men and Women Leader, Chief CFC Obi and many traditional leaders, past leaders of Ohanaeze, and critical stakeholders led by Chief Chris Ekwilo, among others.
The General Assembly was dominated by goodwill messages and commendations for the President, Chief Leonard Okafor a.k.a Oba Ojoto, for his vision and courage in repositioning Ohanaeze in Lagos State.
Speakers described Oba Ojoto’s leadership as “transformational, inclusive and purposeful,” noting that for the first time in years, Ohanaeze is returning to its members and taking bold steps on welfare, unity and political relevance.
Dim Christian Nwachukwu praised Oba Ojoto for restoring dignity to the Ohanaeze brand in Lagos, saying “this is the Ohanaeze we have been waiting for”.
Eze Ephraim Nnaemeka described the President as “a bridge builder who is uniting Ndigbo across the 57 Local Councils”.
Chief Sunday Udeh said the insurance initiative and grassroots structure prove that “Oba Ojoto is building a new Ohanaeze that cares for its people”.
Chief CFC Obi, speaking for market men and women, pledged full support for the President’s agenda, while Chief Chris Ekwilo commended the transparency and consultative approach of the new leadership.
Responding, Oba Ojoto thanked the Assembly for the confidence reposed in him. He said the goal is to build “a new Ohanaeze that is accountable, people-centered and respected by government and other ethnic groups”.
In a major announcement, Oba Ojoto told the Assembly that reconciliation with the opposition faction is a top priority of his administration.
He disclosed that Reconciliation Committee has been set up and is already engaging all aggrieved stakeholders to ensure that every Igbo group in Lagos comes under one united Ohanaeze umbrella.
“Division has weakened us for too long. The time for fighting is over. The time for building is now. We are reaching out to our brothers in the opposition with open arms. There is enough room for all of us in this new Ohanaeze,” Oba Ojoto declared.
The House received the announcement with loud applause. Leaders at the meeting pledged to support the reconciliation process, saying a united Ohanaeze will have more political and economic relevance in Lagos State.
A major highlight was the approval in principle for an *insurance cover for members, which will provide a ₦1,000,000 payout in the event of death.
Oba Ojoto informed the House that discussions are ongoing with an insurance company to finalize the cover. Under the proposal, members will contribute ₦6,000, and the House supported moving ahead with the plan to ensure every member has social protection.
In a major policy shift, Oba Ojoto announced that Ohanaeze has officially returned to the grassroots.
Key directives include:
– Membership must now be through your LGA/LCDA.
– All Ndichie/NdiEze and State Executives are to henceforth sit with their local governments.
– Anyone interested in contesting for any position at the LGA/LCDA level must be cleared and must have paid their dues.
– Members were advised to go and register in their LGAs/LCDAs and pay appropriate dues.
– Any LGA/LCDA that is ready, the electoral committee will come and conduct their election.
The President explained that LGA elections were put on hold to allow the leadership to identify credible candidates who will manage LGA/LCDA affairs in line with Ohanaeze ideals. He appreciated Alimosho LGA, which comprises 6 LCDAs, for hosting the 2nd General Assembly under his leadership.
On politics, Oba Ojoto informed the General Assembly that the executive is discussing the formation of an Ohanaeze Political Structure to protect Ndigbo interests in Lagos.
He urged every member to go and get their PVCs, declaring:
“The era of going to Alausa and start begging for peanut is over. We have reached a level where we will start negotiating with all politicians. Even if it is a contribution of ₦1 each, we will support the candidate that we want.”
He pleaded with every Ohanaeze member to be patient, adding: “We will get it right. Lagos is our home and we must build it together.”
The meeting ended with a standing ovation for Oba Ojoto and renewed calls for unity and commitment to building a stronger Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State.
There were displays by various traditional dances including masquerades.
