Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has commiserated with the Government and people of Oyo State over the recent explosion that rocked the city of Ibadan, the state capital.
In a press statement signed by it’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, made available to Ikengaonline in Enugu, the Apex Igbo Cultural Organisation said it received the news with shock and dismay.
“It was indeed heart-breaking as dead bodies resulting from the blast were pulled from the rubble of a residential area in Old Bodija.
“While we join the Ibadan community to mourn the loss of three lives in the catastrophe, we are delighted that over 77 injured persons have been discharged from the hospital,” Ohanaeze said.
According to the release: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo holds the city of Ibadan with a deep emotional attachment for many reasons; some of which are the cordiality, hospitality, inter-religious harmony, conviviality and liberty the Ibadan community provides for the Igbo in their diverse areas of enterprise and industry.
“The above age-long and exemplary Ibadan provenance has promoted the exchange of cultural values, camaraderie, inter-ethnic marriages and conferment of chieftaincy titles to various eminent Igbo; including the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Engr Dr, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR (the Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo as the Balogun Babaguwa of Ibadan land).”
Ogbonnia said that the Igbo Leader commiserated with the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde; our great in-law, the Olubadan, His Eminence, Moshood Olalekan Balogun; the good people of Ibadan and the Afenifere over the unfortunate incident.
“The Igbo Leader urges the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Oyo State Chapter to demonstrate total solidarity with the good people of Ibadan over this unusual occurrence,” he said.
