A Lagos State High Court sitting in the Ikeja judicial division has ordered forthwith that no group should parade itself as Ohanaeze Ndigbo or organize any public events in the name of the esteemed sociocultural organization in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos. This order was vetoed by Hon. Justice Adenike Shonubi at her sitting on the matter on Friday 16th October 2025.
This court decision puts to a stop all inappropriate and unapproved activities which are tantamount to contempt of court orders being conducted by various factions of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, including the one led by Sunday Osondu Ossai and his team.
The Lagos High Court order also mandates the Nigeria Police Force to arrest anyone involved in any illegal Igbo Day celebrations which are organized by the substantive President Solomon Ogbonna Aguene in Lagos State.
The court decision dated 16th October, 2025, by Justice Shonubi hereby ordered:
i. That leave be and is hereby granted to the Applicant an Interim, restraining the Defendants either injunction by themselves, agents, representatives, privies or members howsoever whatsoever from and acting, themselves, holding, parading, meetings or performing any public event in the name of OHANAEZE NDIGBO Lagos State Chapter pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
ii. The Order shall last for Seven (7) days after which it abates and the date commences from today the 16th day of October, 2025.ISSUED UNDER THE HAND AND SEAL OF THE PRESIDING JUDGE THIS 16TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2025.”
The suit before the Court is between Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene for himself and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State and Chief Sunday Ossai faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.’
It would be recalled that an earlier Consent Judgment declared by Justice Folami in 2022 had passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene recognizing him as the substantive President of the Frontline Igbo sociocultural organization in Lagos State and encouraging well-meaning Igbo citizens resident in Lagos to join the group for their well-being. Also the global body under the leadership of President General Sen. Mbata recognizes Solomon Ogbonna as the leader of its body in Lagos State.
Ever since, Solomon Ogbonna has demonstrated sterling leadership which has brought governance closer to Ndigbos ensuring that they get necessary support to attain to appointments in the Lagos government and also to uphold their bustling trade and commercial activities. The organization has notably helped hundreds of Igbo widows to get business grants to support their families and businesses from Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Speaking immediately after the court decision of Hon. Justice Adenike Shonubi, the authentic Igbo President in Lagos, Chief Solomon Ogbonna said: ‘This court judgement is against the acts of impersonation by personalities calling themselves Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos which we want to put a stop to it. If you hear of any activity from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, it has to be from our Secretariat at 19 James Robertson Street in Surulere Lagos. Any person caught at any event other than from the recognized body will be arrested by security agencies and charged for contempt of court.’
‘What we discovered that made us go to the court is that these people are involved in illegality. They are organizing events saying that their President Osondu Ossai is sick and they are raising funds for his hospital bills, medical attention, injections, and medications. They are using it to extort money from unsuspecting members of the public. Others who are part of this illegality include Pat Nwanze, Everett Ozonweke, and my former PA, Robert Obazee.’
The authentic Secretary, Amb. Gabriel Eseke added: ‘The court is saying that there should be no gathering whatsoever. Don’t risk yourself. Don’t get involved in any of their activities. The lawfully recognized Chairman is Solomon Ogbonna Aguene. The court gave the judgment in favour of Ohanaeze Ndigbo under Solomon Ogbonna Aguene to hold events.’
This court decision further affirms the leadership of Solomon Ogbonna Aguene in Lagos as recognized by the global body under the leadership of Senator Mbata.