The Shippers Association Lagos State (SALS) has been thrown deeper into uncertainty as its long-awaited elections remain stalled owing to the delay in obtaining the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a Federal High Court judgment on its protracted face-off.
This is even as fresh controversy swirls around the membership status of its former president, Mr. Leonard Ogamba.
Investigations by Shipping Position Daily revealed that the association has been unable to proceed with elections, despite Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, dismissing a suit filed against SALS on August 8, 2025. The case, instituted in October 2024 by Ogamba through Leochuks Nigeria Limited, sought injunctions against the association, but was struck out on the grounds that the claimant lacked legal standing.
SALS’ counsel, Chief Osuala Nwagbara, confirmed that the case has been laid to rest, stressing that there is now “no case in court restraining SALS from carrying out its legitimate objectives, including meetings.” He disclosed that the association had suspended most activities pending the judgment in order to remain law-abiding.
But despite the legal clearance, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), regulator of the association, has insisted on receiving a Certified True Copy of the judgment before giving the green light for elections. A Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Rev. Nicodemus Odolo, told Shipping Position Daily that efforts to obtain the CTC have been slowed by the Federal High Court’s ongoing vacation.
“Yes, we’ve gotten the judgment, but the Shippers’ Council requested the Certified True Copy before cooperating with us. The court is on holiday now, but once we secure the CTC, elections will hold within a week,” Odolo assured.
The court ruling has also thrown Ogamba’s status into sharp dispute. According to Odolo, the suit was filed under a company name that does not exist on SALS’ membership register, raising questions about Ogamba’s eligibility as a member, despite his past tenure as president.
“The company on our register, which was issued a membership certificate, is different from the one used in court. That is duplication. By implication, he cannot do anything with us again,” Odolo declared, describing the situation as “confusing, but reflective of intent.”
In a similar vein, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ike Nwagbo, confirmed that the inability to obtain the CTC has placed the electoral process on indefinite hold. “The Shippers’ Council made it clear that it will only cooperate once we present the certified judgment. Unfortunately, the court is not in session. Once they resume, we will know the election date,” Nwagbo said.
When contacted, Mr. Ogamba declined to speak on the ruling or the questions about his membership, but hinted at addressing the press later. “At the appropriate time, I will hold a press conference to address the issues. Thanks for your concern,” he said.
