The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has called Yorubas to exercise restraint on the statement credited to Igbo Chieftain, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Recall that Iwuanyanwu had at the first anniversary of Chukwuma Soludo in office, allegedly described Yorubas as political rascals.
Oba Akanbi, who made this known on Monday via a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, also dislcosed that after observing the video and what Chief Iwuanyanwu said and the subsequent clarification by Ohaneze Indigbo, it should not be traded at this fragile moment.
He called on Nigerians to exercise caution at this delicate time of power transition adding that no grievances should be allowed to tear the nation.
The Osun monarch recalled that he had earlier urged the President Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prioritise healing the wounds inflicted on the Igbos by the civil war.
He commended the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Indigbo worldwide, for their timely interference and calling for peace noting that their clarifications have doused the street tensions and reposed more dignity on Igbos.
According to the statement, “I've critically observed the video of Iwuanyanwu where he reportedly described Yorubas as political rascals and the attending clarifications by Ohaneze Indigbo.
“After proper assessment, I noticed Chief Iwuanyanwu was talking about the huge investment of Igbos in Nigeria and vowing Igbos will never leave Nigeria.
He further said Yorubas and Igbos are one. The foundation of his statement should be commended while condemning its weakness.
“I equally commend the interference and clarifications by Ohaneze Indigbo worldwide. Their statement is a lubricant to the unity of Nigeria.
“As a responsible father to the nation who have participated in war, I feel and understand the pains of the Igbos, and I want to assure them that, I will be on the neck of the President Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,to ensure their wounds are healed.
At this fragile time when a new president is about to take over, Nigerians should comport themselves to ensure a peaceful transition.
“I know the pains of civil war and the continuous incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu are wounds to the Igbos.
Providing lasting solutions to their challenges will be a credit to the nation. Yorubas are open, hospitable and friends to all Nigerians”
“I called on every stakeholder to evaluate public utterances. Nigeria is our collective property and far greater than anybody. Let's encourage her oneness and greatness”
“I expressed my assurance in the President Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be the best and one without religious and ethnic colouration.
I see Nigeria moving forward faster than ever before. Let's support him to have a better nation we can all be proud of.”
