Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin 1), has commended the Igbos for their contribution to the economy of Oyo State and the country.
This was as the foremost Ibadan traditional ruler restated his commitment to peaceful co-existence among the various ethnic groups in Ibadanland.
Olubadan gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by the members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter.
Oba Olakulehin spoke through the Agba Akin Balogun of Ibadanland, Senior Chief Rafiu Emiola Onideure.
He said Ibadan will continue to appreciate the economic contributions of the Igbos, not just to Ibadanland but also to Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“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 is worthy of commendation and well appreciated by all and sundry as it is a significant contribution to the Oyo State economy and, by extension, our nation,” Olubadan said.
The traditional ruler noted the consistent show of respect by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo for Yoruba culture and tradition.
He enjoined other non-indigenes in Ibadan to emulate the good gesture of the Igbos in extending a hand of friendship and fellowship to Ibadan indigenes.
Earlier in his address, Coordinator of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter, Tallest Innocent, expressed his gratitude to the Olubadan and the Oba-In-Council for the warm reception accorded them during the courtesy visit.
Innocent, who doubled as the Special Assistant, Community Relations to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, said, apart from paying the courtesy visit, were at the palace to introduce the newly-elected executives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter to the Olubadan.
He appreciated the support of Oba Olakulehin before, during and after the peaceful process of election, as well as the inclusive governance approach of the traditional stool.
