The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdurosheed Akanbi
The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has called for caution after a businessman, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, was alleged to have called the Yoruba “political rascals.”
Akanbi, in a release on Monday, commended the Ohanaeze Ndigbo for clarifying the statement.
Iwuanyanwu had during the one year anniversary of the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, was said to have described the Yoruba as political rascals.
The comment had generated mixed reactions with many calling on Iwuanyanwu to retract it.
Akanbi, in his reaction, said, “I’ve critically observed the video of Iwuanyanwu where he reportedly described Yoruba as political rascals and the attending clarifications by Ohanaeze Indigbo.
“After proper assessment, I noticed Chief Iwuanyanwu was talking about a huge investment of Igbo in Nigeria and vowing Igbo will never leave Nigeria. He further said Yoruba and Igbo are one. The foundation of his statement should be commended while condemning its weakness.”
The monarch, while calling on Nigerians to “exercise caution at this delicate time of power transition,” said no grievances should be allowed to tear the nation apart.
According to him, the Yoruba and the Igbo are one and should live together in unity.
“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 Igbo. Providing lasting solutions to their challenges will be a credit to the nation. The Yoruba are open, hospitable, and friends to all Nigerians.
“I call on every stakeholder to evaluate public utterances. Nigeria is our collective property and far greater than anybody. Let’s encourage her oneness and greatness,” he added.
