UNIEC calls for truth, due process, constitutional order and unity in resolving the Lagos Chapter petition.

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

ELDERLY COUNSEL ON THE LAGOS CHAPTER PETITION: TRUTH, DUE PROCESS, CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER AND INSTITUTIONAL UNITY

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has taken note of the petition dated 3 September 2026, reportedly submitted by Anioma indigenes and stakeholders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, requesting an independent investigation into allegations concerning the purported 6 April 2026 Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos Chapter election and alleged improper influence or inducement of members of the Global Executive Council (GEC).

As an Elder Council committed to truth, justice, constitutional order, reconciliation and the unity of Ndigbo, UNIEC considers it necessary to respond with caution, wisdom and institutional responsibility.

We commend the petitioners for choosing a formal institutional channel through which their concerns can be examined. Serious allegations are best addressed through established constitutional and legal mechanisms rather than public confrontation, personal attacks or factional mobilisation.

At the same time, UNIEC emphasises that an allegation is not proof of wrongdoing. No individual should be declared guilty, compromised or culpable merely because his or her name appears in a petition. The principles of natural justice, fairness, the right to be heard and the presumption of innocence must remain fundamental to every institutional process.

UNIEC therefore respectfully advises the National Leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President-General, to consider the petition objectively and, where constitutionally appropriate, establish an independent, impartial and properly constituted fact-finding or investigative mechanism.

Such a process should examine the allegations, the circumstances surrounding the reported Lagos Chapter election, the conduct and roles of all relevant persons, compliance with the Constitution of Ohanaeze, applicable directives of the National Leadership and any relevant court orders.

Where credible evidence establishes wrongdoing, appropriate corrective or disciplinary measures should follow strictly in accordance with the Constitution and applicable law. Where allegations are not substantiated, the affected persons should equally be cleared and protected from continuing reputational harm.

ELDERLY COUNSEL

Our elders have always taught that when a family dispute arises, the wise elder does not pour oil upon the fire; he searches for the water that can extinguish it.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is greater than any individual, faction, state or temporary disagreement. Its constitutional integrity must therefore be protected from every attempt—whether deliberate or unintended—to weaken institutional authority.

UNIEC particularly cautions against turning the Lagos Chapter matter into a contest between Anioma, Anambra, Lagos or any other Igbo constituency. Our diversity must never become an instrument of division.

Where rotational leadership is constitutionally applicable, it should be respected according to the actual governing provisions and established lawful procedures, not selectively invoked for partisan advantage.

Similarly, all judicial matters must be allowed to proceed through the courts. No faction should substitute public pressure for judicial determination, and no individual should be condemned before due process is completed.

UNIEC RECOMMENDATIONS

UNIEC Worldwide respectfully urges Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to:

1. Independently verify the allegations raised in the petition. 2. Strictly uphold the Constitution and established procedures. 3. Respect all valid and subsisting court orders. 4. Give every affected party a fair opportunity to be heard. 5. Ensure transparency and proper documentation of the electoral process. 6. Protect individuals against unsubstantiated accusations. 7. Encourage respected elders to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation. 8. Prevent the dispute from becoming a wider source of division among Ndigbo.

The elderly position is simple: let truth prevail, let justice prevail, let the Constitution prevail, and let the unity of Ndigbo prevail.

Ohanaeze must emerge from every dispute stronger, more transparent, more constitutional and more united.

No individual is greater than Ohanaeze. No faction is greater than the Constitution. No state is greater than Ndigbo. And no disagreement should be greater than our collective brotherhood.

Let the truth be established. Let justice be done. Let the innocent be protected. Let wrongdoing, where proven, be properly addressed.

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

Custodians of Heritage • Voices of Conscience • Advocates of True Federalism

Issued under the authority of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide.