Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, President Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos is strengthening ties with Lagos traditional rulers.
This has been long in coming. Aguene’s respect for traditional institutions manifested shortly before he assumed office as Ohanaeze President. “I went with notable Ndigbos to see the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu to reconcile all issues between the Palace and Ndigbos. And it was a huge success.
“My respects for traditional rulers are untainted. I am well brought up and I know the importance of traditional institution,” he said.
Continuing the Lagos Ndigbo President said, “Recently, I met the Oba of Ikorodu and the reception was wonderful. Lagos Ndigbo is for peace. No development can be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos. Governor Sanwo-Olu is doing his best. One way to support him is to ensure that the over four million Lagos Ndigbos live harmoniously with their host. With that, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s plans will begin to manifest. When they manifest, all Lagosians will benefits including Ndigbos,” he said.
Following that mindset, the Ohanaeze President with Prince Adeniyi Olutimehin, President, Greater Lagos Initiative, recently visited the palace of Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, The Alara of Ilara Kingdom and Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs) to support the new build-up of Ndigbo with the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwolu.
During the visit, Chief Aguene stated that “Ndigbos have gotten it right this time by supporting APC and Governor Sanwolu. Governor Sanwolu is a God-fearing leader. Ndigbo in Lagos and outside Lagos will continue to support him.”
NEED FOR PEACE
Chief Aguene further emphasized that his constant advice to Ndigbos is to be law abiding. “Whenever I meet my Ndigbos, I always tell them to be law abiding. They should respect the culture and tradition of our host community, the Yorubas.
“This is very important. Lagos is man’s land. It is not a no man’s land as some people profess. I always ask my people ‘what can we contribute to our host community to make the environment better?
“ We must not always look at what we will benefit. We must always think of what we can do to help the government to succeed. That is the only way to benefit from their programmes.
“We are all one. We might come from different parents and tribes but we are brothers and sisters. That spirit of oneness and love are the defining parameters of the Lagos Ndigbo that I lead.”
In response, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo thanked Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene for the visit. He also thanked him for his commitment to the spirit of oneness and love.
The respected Oba re emphasized his all inclusive belief and administrative policy.
“Everyone here is my son and daughter. I don’t discriminate. My kingdom is peaceful and we will do everything to sustain the peace.
However, the newly installed king hopes to partner with the Lagos State government. The community would key into the THEMES Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu.
“We are also going to take some initiatives as well as invite private investors to come here. We need them to improve the economic potentials of the community,” he said.
Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo , an economist, is the 55th Alara of Ilara Kingdom in Epe axis of Lagos State.
About Author
