The Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) on Sunday raised the alarm over what it described as activities of impostors posing a serious threat to the unity and peace of the Igbo community in Lagos State.
It warned that the well-being and safety of Igbo living in Lagos should not be compromised by the machinations of a few individuals seeking personal gain and recognition.
In a statement, the Leader of MASSOB, Uchenna Madu, reiterated recognition and support for the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo under Senator John Azuta Mbata, as President General, and Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, as President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, just as he condemned the activities of those claiming leadership of the organisation in Lagos.
MASSOB particularly pointed at Sunday Ossai, Robert Obasi and Ubochi Ubochi, alleging that their activities are “illegal and blatant disrespect to the traditions and structures that represent the interests of Ndigbo”.
MASSOB added: “The actions of these individuals are seen as acts of disobedience to Chief Senator John Azuta Mbata-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the wishes of the true Igbo leaders and the wider community.
“We are particularly concerned that such divisive actions could lead to strife and incite unwarranted violence against Igbos residing in Lagos State.
“The well-being and safety of our people should not be compromised by the machinations of a few individuals seeking personal gain and recognition.”
MASSOB warned those posing as Coordinators for the South Western zone of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to desist, saying such a role does not exist within the organisation’s structure.
“We implore the Ohanaeze Ndigbo NEC to take immediate steps to reprimand the individuals mentioned above for their unauthorised representation and reinforce the legitimate leadership structure of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State,” MASSOB said.
It also urged the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Executive Council to comply with a consent judgment regarding the leadership of the body in Lagos State.
This judgment, delivered by Justice L.A.M. Folami of the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court on April 12, 2022, confirmed Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene as the legitimate President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State.
It reiterated the importance of adhering to established leadership and decisions to maintain unity and respect within the Igbo community.
“We also implore Igbo businessmen and women to refrain from providing any financial support to the aforementioned individuals, particularly concerning any endeavours associated with hosting Igbo Day in Lagos State.
“These individuals do not represent the interests of Ndigbo but instead serve their personal agendas and those of their families,” it added.
MASSOB restated its commitment to the unity and integrity of Igbo people, stressing that it would continue to stand against any actions that threaten the interests and representation of Ndigbo both locally and globally.