An Ibadan-based businessman, High Chief Aloysius Obi, has said he remained the Balogun Ndigbo of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
This is just as he called on Ndigbo in the state to be calm, law abiding and wary of those he described as carrying false information on the Igbo leadership in the state.
Obi in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said the judgment of an Ibadan High Court on Ohanaeze Ndigbo did not in any way affect him as he was not part of the case, stating that the judgement in question has been appealed by those concerned and status quo to be maintained.
He disclosed that the case between him and Dr. Alex Anozie on the authentic traditional leader of Ndigbo in Oyo State is still before the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal, noting that the case will come up on September 22.
He said, “The battle is not for the so called swift. I assure you that the said ruling will not stand the test of time when the three wise men at the Court of Appeal may have dealt with it and throw it into the dustbin of history. Be assured that the Engr. Benjamin Okorie-led Ohanaeze leadership remains the only authentic and recognized body by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide in Oyo State.
“In a related development, Ndigbo and the general in Oyo State should not be deceived by the High Court ruling which Dr. Alex Anozie and his group are craftily using to peddle false information that Dr. Anozie has defeated High Chief A.O.Obi. This false information is a mere propaganda from the pit of hell with an intent to deceive the public and win undeserved pity.
“Let me clearly state that the case between me and Dr. Alex Anozie on who is the authentic traditional leader of Ndigbo in Oyo State is still before the Court of Appeal.
“The next sitting of the Appeal Court on the case comes up on the 22nd of September, 2021. It will also interest you to note that the first motion determined by the Appeal Court was in my favour. The Appeal Court ruled that Dr. Alex Anozie has no right to have taken me to court in an election he did not participate in. (Can you reap where you did not sow?). A cost of ten thousand naira (N10,000) was awarded against Dr. Anozie.
“Let it be noted that High Chief A.O.Obi is not part of those sued in the last High Court ruling. The administrative arm of Ohanaeze was sued. The process did not involve High Chief A.O.Obi nor the office of Onyendu Ndigbo (Igbo Leader) of Oyo State.
“I therefore call on peace loving Ndigbo in Oyo State to remain united, calm and law abiding as we await the ruling of the Court of Appeal.”
