Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has pledged to facilitate lasting peace between the Igbo and Yorùbá communities in Lagos.
He expressed his commitment to ensuring peaceful co-existence based on mutual respect between the two ethnic groups. Uzodimma intends to hold discussions with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other stakeholders to achieve this goal.
During a meeting with various Igbo interest groups in Lagos, Governor Uzodimma acknowledged the unfortunate misunderstandings that have arisen between some Yorùbás and Igbos due to political differences. He assured that the situation would soon normalize. Uzodimma emphasized that while the Nigerian constitution granted everyone the right to reside anywhere in the country, it was crucial to show necessary respect to the owners of the land.
The governor highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Igbos and Yorùbás, characterized by inter-marriages and business partnerships. He expressed his commitment to renewing and strengthening this relationship. Uzodimma, as the Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, assured the Igbo community in Lagos that he would lead a delegation of Igbo intelligentsia and stakeholders to meet with the Lagos State government and other stakeholders.
Representatives of various Igbo groups in Lagos commended Governor Uzodimma for responding to their distress call and intervening in the tension between them and their Yorùbá counterparts. They appealed for peaceful resolution of the misunderstandings to create a conducive environment for their businesses.
Leaders of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Ndigbo Lagos expressed regret over the misunderstandings and sought Governor Uzodimma’s assistance in leveraging his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to find a lasting solution.
Governor Uzodimma’s swift response and willingness to address the concerns of the Igbo community in Lagos were appreciated. The Igbo groups emphasized their desire to remain in Lagos, but requested a peaceful atmosphere to carry out their businesses.
