Dr Alex Anozie has said, with many people like the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, across the country, attaining national cohesion and unity among the various ethnic groups would be less problematic.
Dr Anozie, the Eze N’digbo of Ibadanland and Oyo State, said this in appreciation of what he described as a rare show of love and affection by the traditional ruler.
Dr Anozie and his Eze-in-Council had paid a visit to Olubadan at his Alarere residence after the honour done him by Oba Balogun at the installation of some mogajis held at the Aliiwo Palace of the Olubadan.
As stated in a press statement by Oladele Ogunsola, the Personal Assistant (Media) to the Olubadan, Oba Balogun took Dr. Anozie in his personal vehicle to Aliiwo for the installation of the mogajis, while he insisted that all his visitors must be allowed entry into the hall where the installation took place.
This singular act by the Olubadan, in the view of Dr. Anozie, was a show of love and open-mindedness.
He said: “Olubadan showed his true colour as a detribalised Nigerian by asking me and my team to follow him to the venue of the programme.
“As usual and as should be expected, the place was very rowdy and difficult for people to gain entry. Olubadan had to directly instruct that I am his special guest and that I and my members should be allowed to follow him directly into the venue of the installation.
“(This was) an instruction that was carried out without any hesitation by the security agents. This is a true display of oneness we keep talking about in the country.
“I consider it extra-ordinary love and honour for me and, by extension, the Igbo community in Oyo State.
“I can only pray that God should please bless our country with such detribalised personalities in high positions of leadership in Nigeria.
“I strongly believe that Nigeria is a beautiful country, if only we can emulate the attribute of love and oneness by the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“With good and God-fearing leaders in all sectors of the country’s leadership who show love to one another all over the country, there will be peace all over and most agitations would fizzle out,” Dr. Anozie further said.
