The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, insisted yesterday that there is no separation between the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups, citing their longstanding relationships.
When Iwuanyanwu visited the Lagos Oba's palace, they had a conversation.
The visit was required, according to Ohanaeze Worldwide President General, to inform a close friend and brother that he has been elected to head the Igbo race.
Iwuanyanwu claims to have known the Lagos monarch for over 40 years and that throughout that time, both sides have helped each other out and experienced many positive things as a result of their friendship.
He continued by saying that the majority of his closest friends are Yoruba, and that they have also run a few of his companies.
Iwuanyanwu went on to explain that many more Igbo daughters and boys have married Yoruba daughters and sons, mentioning that one of his daughters is married to the Arisekola family in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He stated that the bond between the Igbo and Yoruba is too strong to consider any breach, insisting that people who believe there is one between the two ethnic groups are mistaken.
Iwuanyanwu revealed that although the Ndigbo did not back President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections because they believed it was their time to lead the nation, Tinubu has informed his people that, now that he has been elected and validated by the judiciary, he deserves all the assistance required to succeed.
Speaking, Akiolu expressed his happiness at seeing and hosting a longtime friend, bringing up memories of their past 40 years of affairs.
Igbos are a very hardworking people, the monarch observed, but they also need to obey the rules of the land.
"We have identified enough problems in Nigeria, but it is time for solutions," he continued.
As with every tribe, Akiolu acknowledged that there are good and terrible Igbo people, but he also emphasized that he has a large number of really excellent Igbo people who have helped and supported him over the years.
"No tribe that travels to Lagos will fail to prosper. Many young people work hard, but politicians take advantage of them for their own gain, he continued.
The monarch emphasized that people must adhere to the standards of engagement and stated that the Lagos State administration could not purposefully harm Igbos' property.
"Nigeria will advance under our capable president. Be an attentive listener and don't interrupt someone who is trying to teach you anything, he advised.
The king insisted that although the Binis have a connection to Lagos' monarchy, they are not the city's founders.