UNIEC CALLS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CLARITY, DUE PROCESS AND RECONCILIATION IN OHA-NA-EZE NDIGBO LAGOS. Let the Constitution Speak. Let the Records Speak. Let Unity Prevail.

NEWS COMMENTARY

OHANAEZE NDIGBO LAGOS: UNIEC WELCOMES CLARIFICATION ON SOUTH-WEST COORDINATOR, CALLS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CERTAINTY AND RECONCILIATION

“LET THE CONSTITUTION SPEAK, LET THE RECORDS SPEAK, AND LET UNITY PREVAIL.”

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 taken note of the report published by P.M.EXPRESS concerning the clarification attributed to Chief Robert Obasi, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, regarding the status of Chief Everest Ozonweke as South-West Coordinator and the continuing leadership disagreement within Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.

UNIEC welcomes responsible efforts to clarify institutional questions that have generated uncertainty among Ndigbo. The Council particularly notes the reported reference to the Ohanaeze Constitution, the history of zonal administrative structures, the 19 August 2026 Expanded Global Executive Council meeting in Enugu and the reported decision to establish a high-powered committee to seek a lasting solution to the Lagos situation.

CONSTITUTIONAL CLARITY IS ESSENTIAL

The Supreme Elderly Council believes that disputes concerning institutional offices should ultimately be addressed through authentic constitutional provisions, duly authorised resolutions, appointment instruments, electoral records and applicable judicial decisions, rather than competing public narratives.

The reported assertion that Chief Ozonweke remains South-West Coordinator should therefore be considered within the complete constitutional and administrative framework of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Where different interpretations exist, the appropriate organs of Ohanaeze should provide an authoritative clarification capable of bringing certainty, stability and confidence to the organisation.

As our elders teach:

«“When two elders disagree about a matter, they do not settle it by shouting; they bring out the records and allow the truth to speak.”»

UNIEC DOES NOT SEEK TO TAKE SIDES

UNIEC Worldwide reiterates that its intervention is not intended to endorse one faction against another or determine disputed questions that properly belong to the constitutional organs of Ohanaeze or the courts.

The Council's principal concern is the preservation of institutional legitimacy, peace, dignity and unity among Ndigbo.

All principal parties should therefore be given a fair opportunity to present their documentary positions and respond to issues affecting the Lagos Chapter.

THE PROPOSED HIGH-POWERED COMMITTEE

UNIEC considers the reported proposal to establish a high-powered committee to visit Lagos and work towards a lasting solution a potentially constructive development.

The Supreme Elderly Council respectfully recommends that any such committee should be constitutionally authorised, demonstrably impartial, evidence-based, inclusive and free from predetermined conclusions.

Its mandate should include establishing the relevant facts, clarifying constitutional questions, hearing the principal parties and recommending a lawful and sustainable pathway towards institutional reconciliation.

ADR AND ELDERLY RECONCILIATION

Where constitutionally and legally appropriate, UNIEC further recommends the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), mediation, conciliation and elderly reconciliation as complementary mechanisms.

Such mechanisms should not replace constitutional procedures or judicial determination where the law requires court intervention.

Reconciliation is not surrender. Mediation is not weakness. Dialogue is not defeat. Seeking peace does not mean abandoning legitimate rights.

As elders, we say:

«“The wise elder does not ask first who won the quarrel; he asks how the family can remain standing after the quarrel.”»

A CALL FOR RESTRAINT

UNIEC Worldwide respectfully appeals to Chief Everest Ozonweke, Chief Leonard Okafor, Chief Robert Obasi, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State leadership, the national leadership and all other stakeholders to exercise restraint in public statements and engagements.

No disagreement within Ohanaeze should become a permanent personal conflict among brothers and sisters.

Contested allegations should be supported by evidence and addressed through appropriate institutional or judicial channels. No individual should be condemned merely because he or she holds a different administrative or constitutional position.

THE ELDERLY COUNCIL'S POSITION

UNIEC therefore affirms:

LET THE CONSTITUTION SPEAK. LET THE LAW BE RESPECTED. LET THE RECORDS BE VERIFIED. LET EVERY PARTY BE HEARD. LET ADR BUILD BRIDGES. LET THE ELDERS COUNSEL. LET JUSTICE PREVAIL. LET RECONCILIATION HEAL THE DIVISION. LET OHA-NA-EZE NDIGBO LAGOS REMAIN ONE.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo is greater than any individual, office or faction. Leadership positions are temporary, but the institution belongs to present and future generations.

«“The chair is temporary; the institution is enduring. Let those who occupy it today leave it stronger for those who will inherit it tomorrow.”»

UNIEC Worldwide therefore encourages all concerned to choose constitutional order over confusion, evidence over accusation, dialogue over confrontation, reconciliation over permanent division and institutional preservation over personal victory.

ONE PEOPLE. ONE HERITAGE. MANY VOICES. ONE COLLECTIVE DESTINY.

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

Custodians of Heritage • Voices of Conscience • Advocates of Justice and Unity Advancing Humanity • Empowering Generations • Building a Greater Igbo Society

Issued under the Authority of the Supreme Elderly Council

His Lordship, Bishop Justice Alpha Ikpeama Director-General (D-G) United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide

Institutional Position: Non-Partisan • Non-Sectarian • Constitutionally Guided • Peace-Oriented • Elder-Statesmanship Driven