Igbo monarch seeks collaboration after resolution of leadership crisis in Oyo

The Igbo Traditional leader, Onyendu Ndigbo, High Chief Alloy Obi, has sought the collaboration of the stakeholders in Oyo state as the Court of Appeal resolved the 28-year-old leadership crisis.

The leadership crisis, which started 28 years ago, was between the late Chief Alex Anozie and Chief Obi.

The Court of Appeal, in its judgement, upturned the judgement of the lower court by affirming Obi as the traditional leader of Igbo in Oyo state.

Obi, while addressing the newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan, said all the issues pertaining to the Igbo leadership tussle in Oyo State have been put to an end with the judgement of the Court.

Obi said his victory was not just for him as a person but for all Igbo residents in Ibadan and Oyo State.

According to him, his agenda was to bring together and unite Igbos in the state, affirming his commitment towards the peace and progress of all Igbos across the state.

He said, “Going down memory lane, the case started 28 years ago, exactly May 17th, 1996, when I joined.

“Despite my stand against injustice, I tried everything possible to avoid a crisis, but unfortunately, those who thought that they would benefit from it refused to heed the intervention spearheaded by Chief Onyemaizu.
member committee set up by the late Col. Ike Nwosu.

“Also, there were various interventions initiated, most especially by the leadership of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers in conjunction with the Ohanaeze Worldwide, but all these were rebuffed.

“Today, the ruling of the Court of Appeal has fully restored the authority of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the South East Council of Traditional Rulers as parent bodies to regulate the activities of Ndigbo and Igbo organisations worldwide.

“I hereby use this medium to call on those who are still in opposition to sheath their sword, for it is time for enduring peace and togetherness among Ndigbo in Oyo State.

“I promise to be a good and impartial father to Ndigbo and Igbo groups in Oyo State.

“It is a thing of joy for me that throughout the 28 years that the crisis lasted, no life was lost to it, as those who died died naturally.

“I also call on the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Oyo State to put together a sovereign Igbo conference in Oyo State to chart a road map and blueprint for the true unity and progress of Ndigbo in Oyo State.

“On my part, I would work with the leadership of Ohanaeze in the state to put in place a committee that would see to the reconciliation of all parties in the overall interest of the Igbos in Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.

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