by Kolapo Olapoju
Following the threat of the Oba of Lagos against the Igbos in the state, series of reactions emanated, – from widespread condemnation to apparent consternation and immense criticism.
In some cases, others jumped to his defence while some have tried to explain what exactly the monarch meant by his utterances.
However, until now, no one has deemed it fit to do the right and most appropriate thing- beg/ask for forgiveness from the slighted Igbos.
Some Yoruba traditional rulers have enjoined Igbo people to forgive Oba Rilwan Akiolu, stressing that the two ethnic groups- Yoruba and Igbo will continue to co-exist peacefully.
The Yoruba traditional rulers spoke on Wednesday, April 8, at Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Council Chamber, Festac, Lagos when they hosted 24 Igbo traditional leaders from different parts of Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of seven Obas, Oba Kayode Akinyemi, the Alabirun of Ikare, said Lagos has been so peaceful for everyone because Yoruba do not discriminate and as such, everyone should work as one for continuous cooperation and co-existence.
Akinyemi stated that Oba Akiolu’s threat should be seen as a slip of the tongue.
In response to the pleas, the Eze-Ndigbo of Amuwo-Oriade, Dr. Gordian Dimojiaku, said the Yoruba are very accommodating, stating that the Igbo will continue to live with them in unity.
He added that he was with the Oba of Lagos when he made the statement on Sunday but that no harm was meant to the Igbo.
I am Igbo and cannot pretend that Oba Akiolu’s comments was not undignifying. At 67 years of age, I believe Lagos and indeed Yorubaland has been good to us and we have also been good to them. I was touched by Asiwaju Tinubu’s response on this matter and the entire APC . Tinubu and Fashola are my idols and I plead with my Igbo brothers and sisters to go out and vote APC