The Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos is set for a new leadership era after stakeholders at a General Assembly passed a vote of no confidence in High Chief Dr. Sunday Udeh and affirmed Chief Chukwudi Gift Chinye as the new President General.
The emergency meeting was held on *Friday, September 5, 2026*, at the Igbo Speaking Community National Secretariat in Surulere, Lagos. It was convened over what stakeholders described as “prolonged inaction” on petitions submitted to the Board of Trustees bordering on governance, constitutional breaches and accountability.
In a detailed address to the Assembly, concerned stakeholders listed 10 areas of concern under the administration of Chief Udeh. Central to the grievances were allegations relating to traditional titles in Lagos, which stakeholders said contributed to disputes involving Ndigbo, the host community and traditional institutions, and led to police and court proceedings.
The key allegations presented include:
1. *Alleged Unauthorized Coronations*: The claim that approximately 36 Eze Ndigbo were crowned across Lagos without following prescribed constitutional and administrative procedures, with questions raised over accountability for funds allegedly collected.
2. *Alleged Coronation of an “Obi of Lagos”*: Stakeholders contended that the crowning of an individual as “Obi of Lagos” is not provided for in the Community Constitution.
3. *Alleged Unauthorized Recognition of Eze Fred N. Nwajagu*: Allegations of the issuance of a certificate bearing the Community’s identity and CAC details without due process.
4. *Alleged Unilateral Appointment of Bank Signatories*: Concerns over changes to signatories to the Community’s Access Bank Account No. 1397014797 without required approval.
5. *Alleged Intimidation and Suppression of Dissent*: Concerns regarding alleged intimidation and the use of certain members of the Executive in ways perceived to be divisive.
6. *Failure To Resolve Competing Councils of Eze Ndigbo*: The continued recognition of factional councils alongside the Council reportedly constituted by the Board of Trustees in 2003.
7. *Alleged Irregularities in Local Chapter Elections*: Including the appointment of an Electoral Committee Chairman alleged not to be a duly registered member of the Community.
8. *Alleged Commercialization of Eze Ndigbo Titles and Certificates*: Allegations of certificates issued to persons not properly coronated in line with constitutional procedures.
9. *Alleged Issuance of an “Ezeigbo Worldwide” Title*: A title stakeholders said is not recognized or provided for under the Community Constitution.
10. *Financial Accountability*: The reported failure to provide a Statement of Account for the Community’s bank account covering periods before and after the inauguration of the present administration.
The stakeholders stressed that their action was “not to persecute any individual” but to protect the institution.
“The Constitution of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos must remain the supreme guiding instrument of the organisation and that no individual, regardless of position, status, or influence, should be placed above the Constitution,” the address read.
Following deliberations, the Assembly resolved to pass a vote of no confidence in the administration of High Chief Dr. Sunday Udeh and called for all allegations to be examined by the appropriate constitutional authorities with fair hearing for all parties.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Chukwudi Gift Chinye pledged to lead with “transparency, accountability, and selfless service.”
He announced a 90-day reform programme focused on four priorities:
1. *Reorganisation of Leadership*: A review of the administrative structure within 30 days, with replacements where necessary based on “competence, integrity and commitment.” The administration also promised to strengthen the Board with additional credible members.
2. *Transparency, Accountability and Consultation*: Establishing clearer procedures for decision-making and finance within 60 days. “Major decisions affecting our community will not be imposed arbitrarily. We shall engage our elders, traditional institutions, associations, women, youths, professionals, and other relevant stakeholders,” he said.
3. *Traditional Institutions*: A commitment to recognise and work with the Council of Eze Ndigbo in Lagos established in 2003, and a comprehensive review within 90 days of the “proliferation and indiscriminate conferment of Eze Ndigbo titles in Lagos.” “Traditional titles must be treated with dignity, responsibility, and respect,” he stated.
4. *Unity and Public Image*: Efforts to restore the image of the community through “unity, discipline, professionalism, mutual respect, and selfless service.”
“I accept this responsibility with humility and pledge to serve with integrity, fairness, courage, and dedication,” Chief Chinye said. “The Igbo community in Lagos is bigger than any individual or office. Our conduct must reflect the enterprise, integrity, dignity, and excellence for which our people are known.”
Stakeholders at the meeting appealed to elders, traditional rulers, women, youths and professionals to support the new administration to “restore peace, unity, accountability, transparency, and respect for the Constitution within the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos.”
As at the time of filing this report, the Board of Trustees had not issued an official reaction to the development.
Efforts to reach Chief Sunday Udeh for comment were unsuccessful as his known phone number was not reachable.