OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE IGALA COMMUNITY RECONCILIATION MEETING.
Date: Saturday, 15 August 2026
Venue: New Look Hotel, Otunba Waheed Layout, Abule-Egba, Lagos State
1. Opening
The Igala Community Reconciliation Meeting was held on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at New Look Hotel, Otunba Waheed Layout, Abule-Egba, Lagos State.
The meeting was convened to provide a platform for key stakeholders, traditional leaders, community leaders, youth representatives and other concerned members of the Igala community to deliberate on the prevailing leadership and community issues and work towards a peaceful and lasting resolution.
The meeting commenced with opening prayers led by *Sheikh Adam*, Imam General, Igala Community, Lagos, and *Deacon Job Abu*,Onu Igala Ojo LGA, after which the stakeholders were introduced and the reconciliation proceedings commenced.
2. Key Stakeholders Present.
Among those present at the meeting were:
ICDA National Delegation
– Chief Alh. Rufai Yahaya – General Secretary, ICDA National.
– Chief Dauda Ocheja (Omachi Attah, South West).
– Chief Goodman Akwu.
– Jonathan Jibrin.
ICDA Lagos Chapter and Community Leadership
– Prince Anaja Michael Marijata – Chairman, ICDA Lagos Chapter.
– Amonu Ujache – Lagos.
– ICDA Youths, Lagos.
– Ejeh Abutu (Rtd.) – Patron.
– Chief Mrs. Asibi.
– Dr Friday Alfa – Oga Atta Igala
– Ali Sawaba
– Mallama Saidat.
Council of Onu Igala, Lagos
– Led by Chief Muhammed Shaibu Salifu.
Other Traditional and Community Leaders.
– Chief Suleiman Achemu – Onu Igala Apapa / Olimene Attah.
– Dr. Ibrahim Amodu – Onu Igala Otto Awori/Onu Ogwu.
3. Address, Defence and Plea by Chief Muhammed Shaibu Salifu
Chief Muhammed Shaibu Salifu addressed the Reconciliation Committee and categorically denied allegations of involvement in the killing or physical harm of any person. In support of his position, he offered to swear by the Holy Qur’an.
He, however, acknowledged certain administrative shortcomings and appealed to the stakeholders for forgiveness.
As part of his proposed measures towards reconciliation and resolution of the crisis, Chief Shaibu proposed the dissolution of his cabinet, the abolition of the Onu Ogijo position and the immediate replacement of the Council Secretary.
4. Constitutional and Procedural Objection
Ejeh Abutu (Rtd.), Patron, objected to the proposal for an oath-taking, stating that the Reconciliation Committee was not a court of law and, therefore, should not determine the allegations before it through an oath or judicial process.
He emphasized that matters relating to community leadership and leadership mandates must be determined through the appropriate traditional and community structures and must ultimately derive their legitimacy from the people.
5. Vote of No Confidence
Following the deliberations, Chief Suleiman Achemu and Onu Ogwu Dr. Ibrahim Amodu expressed and passed a formal vote of no confidence in the leadership of Chief Muhammed Shaibu Salifu.
They called on the ICDA National Delegation to formally report the outcome and position of the meeting to His Royal Majesty, Gabaidu *Dr. Alhaji Mathew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II, Attah Igala,
They maintained that Chief Muhammed Shaibu Salifu no longer enjoyed the confidence required to continue leading the Igala community in Lagos and that the determination of a new leader should be left to the people through the appropriate traditional and community processes.
6. Directives and Resolutions
The following directives and positions were emphasized during the meeting:
1. Chief Muhammed Shaibu Salifu was urged to remain calm and continue to observe his suspension pending the conclusion of the reconciliation process.
2. Isah Ayegba (Onu Ogijo) and Muhammed Williams, being suspended/de-beaded leaders, were directed to cease parading themselves or acting in any leadership capacity pending the submission and consideration of the final report of the Reconciliation Committee.
3. Members of the Igala community in Lagos State were urged to respect and abide by legitimate decisions and directives emanating from the Royal Council of the Attah Igala.
4. All parties were encouraged to maintain peace, restraint and unity while the reconciliation process continues.
7. Appeals for Peace and Responsible Conduct
Chief Goodman Akwu appealed to members of the community to desist from negative, inflammatory and provocative activities on social media, emphasizing the need to protect the unity, dignity and reputation of the Igala community.
Similarly, Chief Alh. Rufai Yahaya General Secretary of ICDA National, called on all parties and members of the community to remain peaceful, calm and responsible while the appropriate authorities work towards a lasting resolution.
8. Conclusion of the Meeting
In the course of the proceedings, Chief Muhammed Shaibu Salifu exited the venue before addressing the wider gathering*. Following his departure, some members of the gathering expressed their position through chants of *“Shaibu Must Go.”*
Goodwill messages were subsequently delivered, including a message by Jonathan Jibrin, who encouraged peace, unity and responsible engagement among members of the community.
The meeting concluded with a closing prayer led by Prince Anaja Michael Marijata, after which the gathering was formally brought to an end.
9. Final Observation
The reconciliation meeting provided a platform for the various stakeholders to present their positions, express their concerns and make recommendations towards resolving the leadership and community disputes.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of peace, unity, respect for traditional authority, due process and reconciliation, while awaiting further action and guidance from the appropriate traditional and community authorities, particularly the Royal Council of the Attah Igala.
This report presents a summary of the major proceedings, positions, directives and outcomes of the Igala Community Reconciliation Meeting held on 15 August 2026.
ICDA publicity secretary.
Lagos state.
Reporting.