Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, Chairman and CEO of Chisco Group has withdrawn from the proposed conferment of Mayor Ndigbo (Lagos). The ceremony slated for December 16, 2024 was to take place at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.
In a press release personally signed by him, Chief Anyaegbu expressed deepest gratitude for the honour of selecting him for the title. He however decided to “step back” from the opportunity, due to “the politically charged nature of this position”.
It will be recalled that an Igbo business community had planned to install the businessman as the first Mayor Ndi Igbo “as part of efforts to address longstanding business conflicts and foster economic growth.”
The Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the Organising Committee’s chairman, Ifeanyi Agwu stated that the Coalition of Concerned Igbo Business Community and the United Igbo Elders Worldwide selected Anyaegbu because it was necessary to have an office mediating between Igbo businesses.
In the invitation card sent out, the organisers said Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and many states’ governors will attend the ceremony. The Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe was to serve as royal father of the day, amongst other royal fathers.
The Obi of Onitsha has however dissociated himself from the ceremony. He dismissed claims that he will serve as royal father of the day.
According to a statement by his Chief of Staff, Osita Anionwu, the monarch said he had neither been approached nor consented to participate in the event. “His Majesty does not understand the purpose of the event and would not want to be associated with it.”
Also, ohaneze Ndigbo dissociated from self from the conferment.