March 02, (THEWILL) – Ohaneze Ndigbo and Yoruba Leaders in Lagos State, under the Umbrella of Lagos State Leaders of Thoughts, have called for peaceful coexistence between the Yorubas and other non-indigenous people, especially the Igbos, living in Lagos.
Addressing a joint press conference in Lagos, on Thursday, the leaders of the Igbos and the Yoruba in the State, led by the President, Yoruba Council Worldwide/ Secretary General, Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council, Aare Oba Oladotun Hassan; President, Ohaneze Ndigbo Chair of Chair, High Chief Mike Kelechi and Ohaneze Lagos State, High Chief, Sunday Osai, said there is a need for peaceful coexistence in Lagos.
The leaders said they are taking an affirmative action by calling for calm and understanding between the Yorubas and the Non-indigenous citizens, especially Igbo extraction, urging them to support the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his strive to ensure peaceful coexistence in the state.
They also solicited support for Sanwo-Olu in the March 11, 2023 governorship election based on what they described as his landmark achievements and sustainability of peace, unity and development of Lagos State and Yoruba Land.
The leaders condemned some recent intemperate outbursts and incendiary statements issued by some individuals hiding under ethnic identity.
The leaders said, “Though there were pockets of crises observed in Lagos State, however, the Governor had swiftly swung into action and instantaneously called for peace and security of the citizenry and their properties to be well protected. And the consolidation of all these, of course, rests solely on our law enforcement agents that also spontaneously rise to the challenge in arresting and taming the ugly situation.”
They condemned the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes, for his mischief in playing ethnic cards, which they said “remains a plain diversionary tactic intentionally deployed in order to indict, incite and whip up the ethnic sentiment among the peace-loving Igbo people of Lagos State and their hospitable Yoruba hosts, many of them highly respected and committed to the continuity of the laudable values, principles and landmark achievements of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of the APC.
The leaders described Sanwo –Olu as, “an excellent and enigmatic servant, who deserves love, votes and support of everybody in the 11th March, 2022 gubernatorial election.
“Now, all Lagosians and great leaders of Thoughts must rise to the occasion and consult with our dear and wonderful Igbo people in Lagos State and refute this unfounded allegation of planned attack on the Igbos and nip in the bud the Machiavellian tactics of some few individuals.”
They said many residents of Lagos have valiantly and resolutely prepared in earnest in casting their quality votes for Sanwo-Olu and APC.
About the Author
AYO ESAN, has been actively reporting and analyzing political events for different newspapers for over 18 years. He has also successfully covered national and state elections in Nigeria since the inception of this democracy in 1999.
