The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has pledged that all ethnic groups resident in the city will continue to enjoy the warmth and affection of the indigenes as long as such groups maintain peace and contribute positively to the development of the city.
In a message read on his behalf by the Bada Balogun of Ibadan, Chief Mikail Adegboyega Olawoyin, on the occasion of Anambra Day, marked last Sunday at the Main bowl of Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, in Ibadan, Oba Adetunji said he was happy that the Igbos in the state were beneficiaries of Ibadan traditional hospitality .
The Obong Akpakip Oro of Oron nation of Akwa Ibom State, High Chief Etim Bassey Akanyak, described Anambra Day as a special milestone in the history of the Igbo.
‘We all know what Ibadan City means to the whole of Africa. If you can find such favour in Ibadan to mark Anambra Day successfully, I think this is a great achievement on its own.’’
Ms Aderonke Ajadi-Ojo, who represented the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, noted that the peaceful atmosphere in the state created avenues for festivities and tourism, adding that the government would not relent in maintaining conducive environment.
A chieftain of Ndigbo in Oyo State, Dr Alex Anozie, said the Anambra Day was a display of cultural endowment by town unions and associations in the state.
Anozie called for equity and justice among ethnic groups in the country, adding that if these qualities prevail, there would not be cause to agitate for secession.
“Nobody wants to leave Nigeria, in fact Nigeria is too sweet to leave,” he added.