Reaffirms Solomon Ogbonna Aguene as Authentic Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos President
The leadership tussle within the Lagos State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo took a new turn as the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja issued a restraining order against all rival factions claiming to represent the sociocultural organization.
The order, granted by Hon. Justice Adenike Shonubi on Friday, October 16, 2025, prohibits any individual or group from parading themselves as leaders or members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.
Justice Shonubi’s decision followed a motion filed by Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, who is recognized as the authentic President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos.
In her ruling, the judge also directed the Nigeria Police Force to ensure strict compliance with the order by arresting anyone found conducting unauthorized public events in the name of the organization.
The court’s pronouncement effectively halts any proposed Igbo Day celebrations or other public activities being organized by the faction led by Sunday Osondu Ossai.
According to the court order, the defendants, their agents, representatives, and privies are restrained from holding, parading, meeting, or performing any function under the Ohanaeze Ndigbo name pending the hearing of the motion on notice.
Justice Shonubi declared: “Leave is hereby granted to the Applicant an interim injunction restraining the Defendants by themselves, agents, representatives, or members from holding or performing any public event in the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State Chapter.”
The order, she said, shall remain valid for seven days starting from October 16, 2025, after which it will abate unless renewed by the court.
The case, which pits Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State against Chief Sunday Osondu Ossai and his group, is the latest in a long-running leadership dispute within the Igbo community in Lagos.
It would be recalled that in 2022, Hon. Justice Folami of the Lagos High Court had delivered a consent judgment affirming Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene as the duly elected and recognized President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State.
That judgment not only validated Aguene’s mandate but also encouraged Igbo residents in Lagos to cooperate with his administration for their collective welfare and representation.
The ruling was later reinforced by the national leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, under the President-General, Senator Mbata, which officially recognized Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene as its Lagos State representative.
Since assuming office, Chief Aguene has been credited with bringing a renewed sense of unity, purpose, and progress to the organization’s activities in Lagos.
Under his watch, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos has reportedly strengthened its collaboration with the Lagos State Government, ensuring that Igbo indigenes are included in key appointments and policy discussions.
His administration has also initiated several empowerment schemes, including grants and financial support to widows and traders, many of whom benefited from the intervention of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the latest court ruling, Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene described the judgment as a necessary step to restore order and legality within the organization.
He said the decision was aimed at stopping what he described as “acts of impersonation and illegality” perpetrated by self-styled individuals claiming to represent Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos.
“If you hear of any event or announcement from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, it must come from our Secretariat at 19 James Robertson Street, Surulere, Lagos,” Chief Aguene cautioned.
He warned that anyone attending or organizing events elsewhere under the Ohanaeze Ndigbo name risks arrest and prosecution for contempt of court.
Chief Aguene further alleged that some members of the opposing faction had resorted to deceitful fundraising activities under false pretenses.
According to him, “They have been organizing events claiming that their so-called President, Osondu Ossai, is sick and needs money for treatment. They are using such claims to extort unsuspecting members of the public.”
He listed some individuals allegedly involved in the illegal activities to include Pat Nwanze, Everett Ozonweke, and his former personal assistant, Robert Obazee.
Also reacting to the ruling, the Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, Ambassador Gabriel Eseke, urged members to adhere strictly to the court order and avoid any unlawful gatherings.
“The court has spoken clearly that there should be no meeting, no gathering, and no event organized by any faction. The legally recognized president remains Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene,” Ambassador Eseke stated.
He appealed to members of the Igbo community in Lagos to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure the order is fully obeyed.
With the new court pronouncement, observers believe that the prolonged crisis rocking Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos may finally be nearing resolution.
Legal experts note that the decision of Justice Shonubi reaffirms earlier judgments and underscores the importance of respecting constituted authority within recognized sociocultural bodies.
The ruling also strengthens the legitimacy of the Aguene-led leadership, which continues to enjoy the endorsement of both the national Ohanaeze Ndigbo body and the Lagos State Government.
As the case awaits further hearing, stakeholders are hopeful that the organization will now focus on promoting unity, welfare, and cultural development among the Igbo people living in Lagos State.
