Olubadan reaffirms commitment to peaceful co-existence of ethnic groups

…Commends Igbos’ contributions to economy

Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin 1), the Olubada, has reiterated his commitment to peaceful co- existence amongst the various ethnic groups in Ibadanland.

The monarch, who stated this when members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter visited him at his residence, commended the Igbos for their contribution to the Oyo State economy and Nigeria in general.

Speaking through Rafiu Emiola Onideure, senior chief and the Agba Akin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin said that Ibadan will continue to appreciate the economic contributions of the Igbos not just in Ibadanland but in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“I implore you to continue with your business, social and religious activities peacefully and lawfully at all times as you have done in the past for the progress of Ibadanland.

“The contributions of the Igbos to commerce, trade and business in Ibadanland is worthy of commendation and well appreciated by all and sundry as it is a significant contributor to the Oyo State economy and by extension our nation,” he said.

The monarch further enjoined other non-indigenes in Ibadan to emulate the good gesture of members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in extending the hand of friendship and fellowship to Ibadan indigenes and noted the consistent show of respect for Yoruba culture and tradition.

Earlier in his address, Tallest Innocent, coordinator of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter, who doubles as the special assistant, Community Relations to Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, expressed his gratitude to the Olubadan and the Oba-in Council for the warm reception accorded them during the courtesy visit.

According to the coordinator, apart from paying the courtesy visit, they were at the palace to introduce the newly elected executives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter to the royal father.

He appreciated the king’s support before, during and after the peaceful process plus the inclusive governance approach of the traditional stool.

Accompanying the coordinator of the group were the newly elected executives and other members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter.