In a recent press release, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed its strong support for former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, PhD, GCFR, in his remarks concerning the ongoing “Igbo Must Go” campaign in Lagos. Obasanjo’s statement, which emphatically rejected the idea of driving any ethnic group out of any part of Nigeria, has been widely praised by the Igbo socio-cultural organization and other concerned Nigerians.
Chief Obasanjo had remarked that those calling for the expulsion of the Igbo from Lagos will ultimately be the ones to leave, underscoring his belief in the unity and shared ownership of Nigeria by all its citizens. His position comes at a time when ethnic tensions in Lagos have been heightened by inflammatory rhetoric and actions aimed at the Igbo community.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has raised alarms about what it describes as a pattern of orchestrated ethnic profiling, hate speech, and the destruction of Igbo-owned properties in Lagos. The organization pointed to recent social media posts, particularly on the platform X, where a handle named “LagosPedia” has called for a massive protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo, demanding the forced relocation of the Igbo from Lagos and other parts of the South West. The campaign, which is set to take place from August 20th to 30th, 2024, has stirred significant concern within the Igbo community.
The press release also highlighted several instances of anti-Igbo sentiment and actions in recent years, including threats from prominent figures such as Alh. Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, and the Oba of Lagos, Alh. Rilwan Akiolu. These threats have been linked to violence and voter intimidation during the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Lagos, where Igbo residents were reportedly targeted.
In response to these developments, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has publicly condemned the “Igbo Must Go” campaign. A statement from the Governor’s office emphasized that Lagos remains home to all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic background, and distanced the state government from any divisive rhetoric.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo also expressed appreciation for the Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, which has reassured Nigerians living in the South West of their safety and right to reside in the region without fear of forced relocation.
The organization’s Secretary General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR, lauded Chief Obasanjo for his consistent advocacy for equity and fairness, noting his past efforts to promote national unity and inclusion. Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed its belief that Nigeria can only progress when merit, competence, and inclusiveness are upheld in national affairs.
In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo called for accountability and consequences for those who engage in divisive and inflammatory actions against the Igbo in Lagos, warning that such behavior will persist if left unchecked. The organization remains committed to defending the rights and interests of the Igbo people across Nigeria.
**E-Sign**
*Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide*
