The Igbo in Akure, the Ondo State capital, are trying to reconcile with the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, after a few days of bickering.
The monarch had accused the Eze Ndigbo, Sir Gregory Iloehike, of insubordination and lack of respect for his authority.
But Iloehike denied the allegation, saying he couldn’t be arrogant to the tribe that has accommodated his tribe for over many decades ago.
Rising from a special meeting of Ohaneze Ndigbo at the palace of the Eze Ndigbo in Akure, the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo in the state, Chief Okechukwu Okorie, said the Igbo respect the Deji and would not do anything against his wish.
He said the Igbo in the state are peace loving people, adding that the Ohaneze Ndigbo has started reconciliatory moves with the Deji and palace chiefs to ensure peaceful and harmonious co-existence between the Yoruba and Igbo in the town.
The group described the relationship between the Deji and Igbo as that of a father and his children, noting that the monarch remains the father to all.
He said: “The Igbo are law abiding and we remain good subjects of the Deji of Akure. We can never warn the Deji on any issue, rather he is in position to warn us.
“The Deji is our father and we are his children. Whatever he wants is our wish and we shall continue to obey his directives.”
Okorie, who hinted that the Igbo leaders have decided to reconcile with the Deji, informed that efforts are on top gear to reach out to the traditional ruler.
He urged the monarch to forgive those who might have offended him, adding that the Igbo would continue to maintain the peace for which Akure is known for. (The Nation)
