……….As President General Alaba International hails election,Says Igbos are United.
Emmanuel lkpeama
Chief Leo Okafor (Oba Ojoto) has emerged as the new President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State following a widely attended and keenly contested election held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Enugu Ukwu Hall, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos State.
The election, which attracted more than 700 accredited delegates from the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State,including representatives from various town unions,affiliate groups and traditional leadership structures,reflecting the broad-based participation of the Igbo community across Lagos State was conducted by the Electoral Committee chaired by Chief Cally Odoemena.
Investigator news reports that four contestants signified interest in the presidency of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization in Lagos. However, two candidates later withdrew from the race for reasons best known to them, leaving the contest between Chief Emmanuel Ubah (Otunba Ojoto) and Chief Leo Okafor.
At the conclusion of voting, Chief Leo Okafor secured a decisive victory with 457 votes, defeating Chief Emmanuel Ubah, who garnered 146 votes.
Observers and stakeholders described the election as peaceful, transparent, and credible, noting the presence of security agencies around the venue to ensure order and safety throughout the exercise
The large turnout and orderly conduct of delegates further reinforced the credibility of the process and the acceptance of the outcome by members of the Igbo community in Lagos State.
In a demonstration of unity and sportsmanship, Chief Emmanuel Ubah(Otunba Ojoto)congratulated Chief Leo Okafor shortly after the announcement of the results.
Interestingly, both candidates hail from the same community in Anambra State,a development that further highlighted the spirit of brotherhood that characterized the election.
Stakeholders present at the election commended both candidates for maintaining decorum throughout the process and for promoting unity within the Igbo community in Lagos State.
The outgoing President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene,praised the peaceful conduct of the election and thanked members of Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos State for their cooperation during his tenure.
Chief Aguene urged the members to extend the same level of support given to his administration to the newly elected President so as to enable him to succeed.
He further called on those with grievances to sheathe their swords and embrace peace following the successful election of Chief Leo Okafor, emphasizing the need for unity and collective progress.
Speaking with Investigator news,the electoral committee chairman,Hon Cally Odoemena applauded the outcome of the election which he described as free and fair.
According to him,”my committee was appointed a week ago and today we are having an election despite the short notice,the election has been hitch free and seemless, though there were records of confusion but we were able to manage the situation.”
“Today we have two contestants as the other ones never picked their forms and after the election we will count the votes, declare the winner and sworn him in immediately “he said.
In his acceptance speech shortly after being declared winner, Chief Leo Okafor described the election as a historic moment for Ndi Igbo in Lagos, emphasizing unity, courage, and collective progress.
“Today, history has been made. The Igbo community in Lagos has spoken with one voice—clear, loud, and undeniable. You have chosen progress over division, strength over confusion, and unity over manipulation,” he said.
The newly elected President commended delegates for their resilience and determination, stating that they stood firm despite pressure, intimidation, and distractions.
“I thank you for standing firm in the face of pressure, intimidation, and distractions. You refused to be divided. You refused to be silenced. And today, your mandate has prevailed,” he added.
Chief Okafor stressed that his victory was not personal but a collective mandate for all Igbo residents in Lagos State.
“This victory is not just mine—it belongs to every Igbo man and woman who believes that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos must rise above personal interests and truly serve its people,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the support of leaders, women groups, youth organizations, Ndi Eze structures, and representatives from the 57 LGAs and LCDAs, noting that their unity made the victory possible.
“To those who stood with us—our leaders, our women, our youths, our 57 LGA and LCDA, Ndi Eze structures—this victory is your reward for resilience and loyalty. You have proven that when Ndi Igbo stand united, nothing can stop us,” he said.
Chief Okafor extended an olive branch to his opponents and their supporters, urging them to join hands in rebuilding a stronger and more respected Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos.
“To those on the other side, the contest is over. The people have spoken. Now is the time to put aside differences and join hands in rebuilding a stronger, more respected Ohanaeze. There is work to be done,” he emphasized.
The new President went further to outline his administration’s priorities, promising decisive, people-centered leadership that will focus on protecting the interests of Ndi Igbo in Lagos.
“My administration will not be one of promises—it will be one of action. We will restore confidence, enforce discipline, and ensure that the voice of Ndi Igbo in Lagos is respected and heard where it matters,” he stated.
He further pledged to end what he described as “business as usual” and usher in a new era of purposeful leadership.
“No more business as usual. We will protect our people. We will defend our interests. We will demand our rightful place. And we will do so with unity, courage, and purpose,” he affirmed.
Chief Okafor concluded his speech by calling on all stakeholders to support his administration as it begins a new chapter for the organization.
“This is our moment. This is our mandate. And we will not fail you,” he said.
The election marks a significant turning point for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, as members expressed optimism that the new leadership will strengthen unity, promote development, and advance the interests of Ndi Igbo across Lagos State.
Lending his voice,High Chief Camilus Nnamdi Amajuoyi,President General of Alaba International Market Amalgamated affirmed that the Igbo community in Lagos State remains united and committed to collective progress.
High Chief Nnamdi noted that the large turnout of delegates and stakeholders at the election demonstrated the strong unity and shared vision among Igbos residing in Lagos State.
According to him, despite differences in opinions, the Igbo people have continued to work together for the growth and development of their community.
He commended the peaceful conduct of the election and praised the leadership of the electoral committee for ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the process.
The Alaba International Market President General emphasized that unity remains the greatest strength of the Igbo people, urging all contestants and their supporters to accept the outcome of the election in good faith and support the newly elected leadership.
He further called on the incoming executives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State to prioritize inclusiveness, welfare of members, and stronger engagement with government authorities to advance the interests of Igbos in Lagos.
High Chief Nnamdi also reaffirmed the commitment of traders and business leaders at Alaba International Market to continue supporting Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State in promoting peace, unity, and socio-economic development.
Investigator news gathered that other positions were unopposed except for the position of Financial Secretary where Mrs Chinyere won with 366 votes.
Highlight of the event was the inauguration and oath of office for Chief Leo Okafor as Barrister Nkechi administer the Oath of office.
Among those in attendance include Onye Ndu Ndigbo of various local government, President General of Igbo Speaking Community and members of his executives,town unions, security agencies among others.