The Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly Worldwide has begun consultations aimed at restoring unity and resolving the prolonged leadership crisis within the Lagos State chapter of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

The move followed a strategic meeting involving elders and prominent Igbo stakeholders in Lagos, where participants discussed the need to address the legal and organisational disputes surrounding the chapter.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Chukwuma Njoku, Media Aide to the group’s Director-General, Strategic Planning and Implementation, Tony Obizoba, the assembly said it was determined to establish a legitimate and legally recognised leadership structure for Ndigbo in Lagos.

The group expressed concern over the prolonged court cases arising from disputes over the leadership of the organisation, as well as claims by some individuals who allegedly present themselves as President-General, executive members and other officials without the required legal authority.

According to the assembly, efforts are now underway to bring the various factions together and pave the way for the inauguration of a new President-General capable of uniting the Igbo community under a recognised structure.

Beyond the organisational leadership crisis, the assembly also turned its attention to the growing controversy surrounding individuals who allegedly declare themselves Eze Ndigbo in different communities without following established traditional procedures.

It maintained that traditional titles and leadership positions should not be assumed arbitrarily, stressing the importance of due process, customs and relevant legal requirements.

The group said the development was necessary to protect the integrity of Igbo traditional institutions and prevent leadership disputes from further dividing Ndigbo in Lagos.

The assembly stated that the Lagos engagement forms part of wider consultations aimed at repositioning the Igbo socio-cultural structure and promoting unity among Igbo leaders and stakeholders.

It urged stakeholders to put aside personal interests and work towards a transparent, lawful and inclusive system that would promote the welfare and development of Ndigbo.

The assembly said the ultimate objective was to create a stable leadership framework capable of representing the interests of Ndigbo effectively in Lagos and beyond.