BETWEEN TWO ETHNIC GROUPS

By Ubong David

The statement credited to Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu that if the Igbos do not vote ''his governorship candidate'' Ambode that they will all perish in the lagoon is the least expected from such a traditional institution. No matter how they want to twist the statement to suit their style, the damge has already been done and will reflect in the governorship election.


Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Okiolu

I have been wondering what informed the royal father to make such pronouncement. Is it influence or was he under a spell? I think the role of the traditional institutions are well defined in our law which cut across the federation. What many may not know is between Oba Akiolu, Raji Fashola and the lord of Bourdillion, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who made Ambode the governorship candidate of APC? From the statement of Oba, one does not need any soothsayer that the candidate is his own choice hence, the vote by force mandate or ready to die. This is very unfortunate as the politics of ''do or die'' affairs do not have a place in our body politics.

The two dominant ethnic groups of Igbo and Yoruba has always lived in peace but the past few years has turn out to build more walls among them than bridges. One cannot forget in a hurry the famous Prof. Chinua Achebe's publication ''THERE WAS A COUNTRY'' where he indicted some Yorubas as guilty of offence against the Igbos during the civil war. Prominent Yoruba sons including Chief Obafemi Awolowo was listed among those who betrayed the Igbos starving over 3 million people food which led to their early grave. The issue generated a lot of heated argument for months and the social media was awashed with narratives and insults coming from both side. The issue was gradually laid to rest but another prompt up.



Igbo Traditional Rulers
The deportation of some Igbo to Onitsha by Lagos State government was another issue to contend with among the two ethnic groups. It generated a lot of heat for months which the former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi threatened brimstone but through the intervention of some Igbo leaders and federal government, the Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola tendered an unreserved apology and the issue was again laid to rest.



Yoruba cultural dancers
The ''vote my candidate Ambode or be ready to die'' speech by the highly revered Oba of Lagos is the least expected at this particular moment and it is already inflammable. Meanwhile, some Igbos has reacted accordingly by calling their people not to be intimidated by such statement but should exercise their franchise by voting a candidate of their choice in the coming governorship and State House of Assembly election. The question is: When will this two ethnic groups stay with each other without unnecessary stretching of muscle? There is no need to over-flocked issue. The most honourable thing for Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu to do is to tender an unreserved apology to the Igbos for such a provocative statement. Nothing more nothing less.

My take on this whole thing is that "we should not allow our personal interest to override a collective interest of the people. We should not allow politics to destroy relationship and peaceful co-existence among the different ethnic groups in the country. The Igbos need the Yorubas and vice versa and should not allow anything that will divide them as a people rather, we should embark on ventures that will join us together as one people, one nation and one destiny."

The recently concluded National Conference is a typical example and it recommendations should be fully implemented. What we need in Nigeria is true federalism. Nothing more nothing else.