By ADEYEMI ADELEYE
LAGOS- The Newly elected Executive of the Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos State, led by Chief Sunday Ossai says the tenure of its former president, Chief Solomon Ogbonna expired in June.
This was disclosed by the new president at a news conference in Lagos on Thursday.
The new president, Ossai was speaking on the backdrop of controversy surrounding formation of another group in Lagos state, the Ohaneze Political Forum, led by Ogbonna, the erstwhile leader of the Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos state whose tenure expired on June 16.
“An election was conducted by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos state on June 16, which brought in a new executive that I lead.
“The election was based on the electoral guidelines as stipulated by Ohanaeze Ndigho Worldwide Constitution and Lagos state chapter bye-laws, on a four-year single term and no renewal or tenure elongation.
“The tenure of Ogbonna ended on June 16, and therefore, seizes to function as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos state president.” he said.
According to Ossai, Solomon Ogbonna therefore, cannot parade himself as the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos state and Apex Leader of the Ohanaeze political forum.This is unconstitutional and in total disregard and breach of Ohanaeze national constitution and Lagos chapter bye-laws.
“There is nothing like Ohanaeze political forum registered anywhere in Nigeria or abroad.Ohanaeze is a socio-cultural organisation that binds all Ndigbo together anywhere in the world
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos state uses this medium to distance itself from activities of this new group.”
He argued that no parallel organisation can exist in Lagos state as representing the Igbos, as no affiliate can exist without subjection to the Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide constitution under which our group was set up
“This news conference has become necessary to put the records straight and to defend Ohanaeze Ndigbo constitution,” he added. (NAN)
