The eastern ethnic group in Nigeria known as Igbo in Akure, the Ondo State capital, have closed down their businesses to protest the planned dethronement of one Sir Gregory Iloehike who is the Eze- Ndigbo in the town.
CEOAfrica gathered that Shops owned by the Igbo in the major markets were locked, to protest against the dethroning of their Eze Ndigbo by the Deji of Akure. The Igbo, who converged on their secretariat at Gbogi Street as early as 7am, warned the Deji of Akure against dethroning the Eze Ndigbo.
They insisted that the traditional ruler has no power to dethrone Iloehike. It was learnt that the Deji accused the Eze Ndigbo of insubordination and disrespect. But Iloehike said he was not rude to the Deji, adding that he contributed immensely to the monarch’s installation.
He said “The Deji called me at 8.48pm last Sunday inviting me to his palace and I honoured his invitation on Monday morning.
“I went with one of my chiefs but when I got to the palace, I saw youths numbering over 200 who started shouting as I entered. “I suspected that they were mobilised by the monarch and I showed respect to him by prostrating.
“The monarch threatened to drive out the Igbo from Akure and when I asked why, the youth descended on me. “They tore my beads and removed my crown. They attempted to beat me but the police officers at the palace rescued me Iloehike said.”
The Eze Ndigbo who said the monarch’s invitation was the first since he ascended the throne. Admitted that the Igbo had been living in unity for over 70 years without any misunderstanding with the people of Akure. The Igbo however urged the Deji-in council not to cause inter-ethnic crisis in the state.
President-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo, High Chief Okechukwu Okorie, said the Igbo have resolved to live happily with other ethnic groups in the state.
Okorie added that only the Igbo who elected Iloehike who is also the Deputy National President, Ndi Eze’N’Association of Uzo Ije in Diaspora, have the right to remove him. The spokesman for the Deji-in-Council, the Asamo of Akureland, High Chief Rotimi Olusanya, could not be reached for comment.
