The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Owolabi Olakulehin, has lauded the contributions of the Igbo ethnic group to the socio-economic growth of Ibadanland.
Oba Olakulehin gave the commendation while receiving members of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter, on a courtesy visit at his Oje-Aremo Palace, Ibadan.
The monarch reiterated his commitment to peaceful co-existence amongst the various ethnic groups in Ibadanland. He said Ibadan will continue to appreciate the economic contributions of the Igbos not just in Ibadanland but in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Olubadan, who spoke through Senior Chief Rafiu Emiola Onideure, the Agba Akin Balogun of Ibadanland, described the ancient metropolitan city as home to all.
According to him, “I implore you to continue with your business, social and religious activities peacefully and lawfully at all times as you have done in the past for the progress of Ibadanland.”
“The contributions of the Igbos to commerce, trade and business in Ibadanland are worthy of commendation and well appreciated by all and sundry as they are significant contributors to the Oyo State economy and by extension our nation.”
The monarch further enjoined other non-indigenes in Ibadan to emulate the good gesture of members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in extending the hand of friendship and fellowship to Ibadan indigenes and noted the consistent show of respect for Yoruba culture and tradition.
Earlier in his address, the Coordinator of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter, Hon. Tallest Innocent, who doubles as the Special Assistant, Community Relations to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, expressed his gratitude to the Olubadan and the Oba-in-Council for the warm reception accorded them during the courtesy visit.
According to the Coordinator, apart from paying the courtesy visit, they were at the palace to introduce the newly elected executives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter, to His Imperial Majesty.
He appreciated the King’s support before, during and after the peaceful process, plus the inclusive governance approach of the traditional stool.
Accompanying the Coordinator of the group were the newly elected executives and other members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter.
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