Delegates from South East Traditional Council paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. The courtesy call was necessitated by the cordial relationship between Ndigbo and the Government of Oyo State. The delegates also came to identify with Ndigbo in Oyo State for the celebration of the World Igbo Cultural Day slated for 30th November, 2014 at main bowl of Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The leader of the delegate, His Royal Majesty Igwe (Dr) Elder E.U. Nneli appreciated the Governor of Oyo State for the cordial relationship with Ndigbo resident in Oyo State and also called for the unity of Nigeria.
In his remark, he asserted that: “Our reason for been here is simple; first is to appreciate the government of Oyo State for its cordial relationship with Ndigbo in Oyo state. We in the South East have our ears on ground and Ndigbo in Oyo State have equally reported the governor and government in good light. We thank you for that and we ask that this good relationship should continue.”
His Royal Majesty Igwe (Dr) Elder E.U. Nneli further added that: “Nigeria is one indivisible nation. We don’t want the nation to disintegrate. Since we did not disintegrate between 1967 to1970 during the civil war in Nigeria which the crisis ended amicably with ‘no winner no vanquish,’ we must live as one entity. The issue of Boko Haram will soon be overcome.
Our second mission here is to identify with the Ndigbo under the leadership of Chief Alloy Obi (Oyendu Ndigbo in Oyo State). We want to say it loud and clear that the only recognised Igbo Leader I n Oyo State is Chief Alloy Obi who the whole South East Council of Traditional Rulers jointly crowned and approved as the legitimate Igbo leader in Oyo State. Therefore, we ask you to relate and deal with them as the only recognized leader of the Ndigbo in Oyo State.
Oyo state is one of the greatest states in Nigeria; we want you people to always share ideas with us in the South East because nobody is perfect; we are all learning.” He concluded.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo state, who welcomed the delegates, disclosed that the various Igbo factions should unite as one. He also called for the unity of the country.
In his response the Deputy Governor said: “On behalf of the Governor and People of Oyo State, I welcome all Royal Fathers here present from the South East; everybody knows Oyo State as one of the oldest states in Nigeria. Oyo state is referred to as the Pace Setter State, setting the pace in everything. Oyo State has the first university in Nigeria but when I go to University of Ibadan and they tell me that University of Ibadan is the first, I always tell them I attended University of Nsukka which is the first autonomous university in Nigeria.”
“Your coming to these chambers is highly appreciated by the Governor who is out of the country; he would have gladly love to meet with you. We are fully behind you and I want to assure you that we would be well represented at the World Igbo Cultural Day to cheer you up.” He concluded.
Nigeria belongs to everybody, I personally dislike tribal discrimination. I lived in Ghana for about 18 years, I voted in that place. I was given scholarship even though we are not Ghanaians, we are all Nigerians, why should we discriminate within ourselves? We must join hands together to make Nigeria one.
That was why when we took over government, we made sure that there is peace in all quarters of Oyo state irrespective of the tribe or individual resident in that area.
We have done our best as regards infrastructure and our works are evident for everyone to see that we have made a change.
I want to also appeal to you people to come together as one because it is for the benefit of the Ndigbo and also the benefit of indigenes of Oyo State, it’s a common saying that a house divided against itself will fall, I know Ndigbo cannot fall but whatever the Royal Fathers can do to bring both parties of Ndigbo to a round table to settle the problem amicably.
Our cooperation with the Ndigbo is natural because you have Yoruba in the east and Ndigbo in the West, I want us to live in harmony with ourselves irrespective of the tribe and religion. We have Ndigbo in the Executive of Oyo state, one of such is Mrs Rose Oyedele and Mrs Ubah and Mr Godwin Ogbodo. We have three Igbo out of 20 in our Cabinet. The governor called for peace from everybody and begged the traditional rulers present to try and reconcile the warring factions
