The Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo State, Eze (Dr.) Alex C. Anozie, has expressed concern over the rate at which some elements of disunity are promoting hatred between Igbo and Yoruba peoples.
Eze Anozie, who is also the President of the Non – Indigenes Traditional Council of Oyo State, described the development as unhealthy for peaceful and harmonious co-existence among different ethnic groups in Southern Nigeria.
He, therefore, urged leaders of the two ethnic groups to urgently swing into action to ensure that “the political Satanic forces that are working to disunite the South do not succeed”.
In a press release issued and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Friday, Anozie declared that it is not true that Igbos hate Yorubas, or Yorubas hate Igbos.
According to him, “Yorubas are so important to the Igbos, just as Igbos are so important to Yorubas. Let us join hands to say no to those Satanic forces at work to destabilize the very long time cordial relationship existing between us in the South”.
The statement reads: “We should also be able to see to it that peace, love for one another should reign throughout the whole country. We should stop talking hatred into our lives, whatever misunderstanding we have, we should sit down and settle it amicably.
“Where we are not able to settle it that way, we should approach the courts to help us out, and whoever wins in the courts, we try to turn it to no victor, no vanquish, while obeying court Judgements.
“The judiciary must come to the rescue now by making sure that at all time, they rule on justice, equity, fairness and the fear of God.
“Leaders in all areas must now begin to caution their followers, supporters and subjects; informing them of the serious danger ahead if we do not tread softly.
“It is not true that we cannot live in peace in Nigeria. Religious leaders who are preaching deceit, confusion and false prophesies should please stop, in the interest of our peace”.