The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi has called on promoters of Secession to have a rethink in the interest of the larger nation.
While recognizing the rights of the agitators to do so within the ambit of the law, he however opined that the nation if restructured will be better together as a united entity.
The First Class Monarch stated this while presenting the new Asiwaju of Igbo (Onyendu Ndigbo) to the igbo community at his palace.
Oba Aladetoyinbo observed that “the myriads of challenges which has pervaded our economy coupled with seemingly unending insecurity across the nation could make the people to consider secession as the only available and viable option at the moment.”
He, however, cautioned the government at all levels not to take the people for granted. “It is very clear that majority of our people are living below the poverty line, the purchasing power of our naira is astronomically depreciating with many states owing salaries and gratuities.”
“The government must do something urgently to nip these challenges in the bud as a way to stop the daily agitation of our people who are fast losing trust and hope in the oneness of Nigeria.”
The Monarch also called for religious tolerance among the various faiths in the country as this could further guarantee peace and unity “we are all clamouring for, because poverty, insecurity among other challenges are not peculiar to any religion or tribe.”
While presenting the new Igbo Leader to the people, he urged him to re-unite aggrieved leaders and ensure that there is peaceful co-existence between the igbo community and their host.
The Monarch charged the new leader who he described as an honest and detribalized Nigerian with the requisite experience and ability to effectively provide leadership for the Igbo community and ensure cohesion between them and their host community across the state.
The new Igbo Leader, High Chief (Sir) Uwenweke Ezeorji JP thanked Oba Aladetoyinbo for the confidence reposed in him.
He assured the people of the state that he will work hard to ensure that the harmonious relationship that used to exist between the igbos and their host communities is restored and sustained.
While lamenting unfortunate incidents that led to the removal of the erstwhile leader, Sir Gregory Ilohehika, the Asiwaju of Igbos said the incident does not reflect the true character of the igbo people.
Sir Ezeorji said the igbo people believe so much in tradition and customs. “If you go to all the states in the East, you will observe that our people don’t toy with customs and norms of the igbo land. It is therefore out of place and unacceptable for anyone to do anything sacrilegious that could bastardize the traditions of our hosts wherever we find ourselves.”
He however, vowed to pursue peace, unity and reconciliation within the igbo community so as to heal the wound of the past so that we can remain more virile and united.
Various leaders and igbo indigenes at the palace eulogized the Deji for putting a round peg in a round hole. They described his action as timely and a show of love to all other ethnic groups in Ondo state.
Traditional installation rite had earlier been performed on the new Asiwaju of Igbo Community at the Ojukoto’s court of the Deji’s Palace which was witnessed by the Deji, Senior High Chiefs, Chiefs and eminent sons and daughters of Akure Kingdom as well as representatives of the igbo community.