I’m Legitimate Product of Fair Election, Says Igbo Leader

Oluchi Chibuzor

The embattled President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos Branch, Chief Sunday Ossai, has said his emergence as the leader of the socio-economic group was a product of fair and transparent election.

Ossai, who disclosed this recently in Lagos, said his victory was the will of the people who voted for him in 2022, as his leadership has the blessing of President-General Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

He said, “The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo ably led by our President-General has come to Lagos several times to endorse my leadership at state level.
“My tenure which is expected to end in 2026 was constituted by a legitimate electoral body in April 2022 which was done under the leadership of the immediate past President. I am a product of a free, fair and legitimate election which I won.”

In the current leadership tussle rocking the group in Lagos, Ossai acknowledged that the constitution of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo clearly stipulates one term for any president.

He explained that as a group, how to improve the socio-economic well-being of every Ndigbo should take the centre stage rather than the tenure elongation crisis hampering his tenure as the duly elected president.

According to him, “Ohanaeze constitution does not provide any condition for a second term and even taking the group to court as any issues are regarded as cultural matters which are resolved by the elders.

“I am a product of a free, fair and transparent election which I won on 16th June, 2022. Having contested against three others in an election that was constituted by the immediate past president.”

Corroborating Ossai’s position, Eze Ndigbo of Ikosi Isheri LCDA, who is also the Secretary General, Remy Anyamele, debunked claims that there were two presidents of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos.