OHANAEZE NDIGBO LAGOS: LET WISDOM, ADR AND RECONCILIATION PREVAIL. Justice, Peace and Unity Must Walk Together. — UNIEC Worldwide

NEWS COMMENTARY OHANAEZE NDIGBO LAGOS: COURT IS NOT THE ONLY PATH TO JUSTICE — UNIEC ELDERLY COUNCIL CALLS FOR ADR, RECONCILIATION AND UNITY UCHE NA AKỌ: LET WISDOM GUIDE US

Custodians of Heritage • Voices of Conscience • Advocates of Justice and Unity • Advancing Humanity • Empowering Generations • Building a Greater Igbo Society The Supreme Elderly Council of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has called for the responsible use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a pathway toward resolving the continuing leadership disagreement within the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Lagos State Chapter.

UNIEC Worldwide recognises that the Lagos Chapter matter has generated competing positions among stakeholders. As an elder institution, the Council does not seek to determine through public commentary which faction is right or wrong, nor does it intend to substitute itself for a court or the competent constitutional organs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Rather, UNIEC believes that where an opportunity for lawful reconciliation, responsible dialogue, and institutional healing exists, it should not be ignored.

JUSTICE AND PEACE MUST WALK TOGETHER The Council reiterates that litigation remains a legitimate avenue for determining disputed rights, constitutional questions, and legal obligations. However, litigation should not necessarily be the first or only language through which brothers and sisters address an institutional disagreement.

Where appropriate and voluntarily accepted by the parties, reconciliation, mediation, conciliation, or arbitration may provide additional avenues for resolving disputes while preserving relationships and institutional dignity.

As our elders teach:

"When two brothers quarrel over the leadership of the family, the wise elder does not immediately destroy the family; he first asks whether the matter can be settled without breaking the house."

A CALL TO THE TWO MAJOR FACTIONS UNIEC Worldwide respectfully appeals to the two major contending factions within the Lagos State Chapter to consider whether a structured and credible ADR process can assist in resolving their differences.

Such a process could provide an opportunity for both sides to: Present their respective positions and documentary evidence; Identify areas of agreement and disagreement; Examine the applicable Ohanaeze Constitution and Bye-Laws; Consider relevant judicial decisions and lawful processes; Address outstanding grievances; Establish mutually acceptable conditions for reconciliation; and * Work towards one recognised, united, and functional Lagos State Chapter. The purpose of ADR should not be to humiliate one faction or declare a premature victor. The objective should be to save the institution.

LET THE DOCUMENTS SPEAK UNIEC further recommends that any reconciliation process be guided by facts and authoritative records rather than social-media narratives, personal accusations, or political influence. The relevant Constitution, Bye-Laws, certified court processes, resolutions, electoral records, and other authoritative institutional documents should form part of any serious reconciliation framework.

As elders:

"Where the facts are uncertain, let the records speak; where the hearts are wounded, let wisdom speak; and where brothers are divided, let peace have a voice."

RECONCILIATION IS NOT SURRENDER UNIEC emphasises that reconciliation must not mean abandoning legitimate rights, constitutional principles, or lawful judicial processes. Reconciliation is not surrender. Mediation is not weakness. Dialogue is not defeat. Seeking peace is not an admission of wrongdoing. Where a matter requires judicial determination, the courts should be respected. Where an issue can lawfully be resolved through dialogue and ADR, the parties should have the courage and wisdom to explore that possibility.

A MESSAGE TO OHA-NA-EZE NDIGBO WORLDWIDE The Supreme Elderly Council respectfully encourages the national leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to consider facilitating a structured, independent, and constitutionally appropriate reconciliation initiative for the Lagos State Chapter.

Such an initiative should be fair, transparent, inclusive, constitutionally grounded, and acceptable to the principal parties. Traditional rulers, respected elders, legal professionals, academics, and other credible stakeholders may assist in creating a peaceful environment for dialogue. The ultimate objective must be the restoration of institutional legitimacy, peace, unity, and effective representation of Ndigbo in Lagos State.

THE UNIEC ELDERLY PEACE FORMULA LET THE CONSTITUTION SPEAK. LET THE LAW BE RESPECTED. LET THE FACTS BE ESTABLISHED. LET THE PARTIES BE HEARD. LET THE ELDERS MEDIATE. LET ADR BUILD BRIDGES. LET JUSTICE PREVAIL. LET RECONCILIATION HEAL THE DIVISION. LET OHA-NA-EZE NDIGBO LAGOS REMAIN ONE.

The strength of Ndigbo is demonstrated by the wisdom to resolve disagreements without destroying our shared institutions. As the Igbo principle teaches: "ONYE AGHALA NWANNE YA" (Let no one abandon his or her brother). The Supreme Elderly Council appeals to all parties to choose wisdom over bitterness, dialogue over confrontation, reconciliation over permanent division, and institutional preservation over personal or factional victory.

The chair is temporary. The factions are temporary. The dispute is temporary. But Ohanaeze Ndigbo belongs to generations yet unborn.

ONE PEOPLE. ONE HERITAGE. MANY VOICES. ONE COLLECTIVE DESTINY. UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

Issued under the Authority of the Supreme Elderly Council His Lordship, Bishop Justice Alpha Ikpeama Director-General (D-G), UNIEC Worldwide (Institutional Position: Non-Partisan • Non-Sectarian • Constitutionally Guided • Peace-Oriented • Elder-Statesmanship Driven)