The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi has denied saying that Igbo people cannot produce the next president.
Recall that the Oluwo of Iwo had before now stated that “no Nigerian from other zones will vote a South Easterner as their President.”
The statement, however, drew the attention of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide which berated the Oluwo of Iwo.
Be that as it may, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, in his reaction, said; “I want to challenge the Igbos further to name a monarch outside the South-East who has ever dressed like an Igbo king?”
“I remain an Oba and very committed to the unity and oneness of Nigeria. The Igbos should act more, talk more and do more on the unity of Nigeria instead of their vituperation against an unrepentant preacher and promoter of one Nigeria.”
“I was the first monarch outside the South-East to visit Innoson manufacturing company owned by an Igbo man Innocent Chukwuma and the only Nigerian monarch using an Innoson vehicle, which I bought in January 2018.”
“I went further to advertise and promote the made in Nigeria vehicle on highway billboards throughout the country on my personal expenses.”
“I am surprised Ohanaeze Ndigbo could picture me as dividing Nigeria. I have cordial relationships with respected monarchs and personalities from the South-East.”
“I never said Igbos can’t produce the president, I said there is need for them to re-strategize.”
“I appeal to IPOB to sheath their sword and embrace one Nigeria. Our diversity is a strength. We must be smart with it and convert it to advantage. Achieving one Nigeria is a collective responsibility.”
“I challenge Ohanaeze Ndigbo to take responsibility, appeal to IPOB and ESN to ceasefire. It is then that we will know we are all Nigerians in Nigeria and enjoy a better sense of belonging.
“The stakeholders in the zone should address their subjects to promote mutual coexistence. People should be allowed to go to work and transact business.”
“Sit-at-home order will do more harm to people’s means of survival. Secession is an abstract concept in modern Nigeria.”