Akiolu also charged Igbos that are residing in Lagos State to “respect the owners of the land”
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has urged Igbos residing in Lagos State to cooperate with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying the demolition embarked upon by the state government was not targeted at then.
He made this known on Saturday while receiving the President-General of Ohanaeze, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu at his Palace.
Akiolu noted that Lagos State cannot deliberately demolish their properties and advised them to respect the “owners of the land.”
Some Igbos who own properties in Lagos State had prior to this cried out via various mediums that the state government demolished their houses and shops.
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They went on to accuse the Sanwo-Olu-led administration of ethnic profiling through the demolition of their properties in the state in the aftermath of the outcome of the 2023 presidential and gubernatorial elections.
Reacting to the allegation during the visit of the President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Lagos monarch advised Igbos in Lagos to “just play according to the rules of the game”
Akiolu said: “We know Igbos are very hard working, but you have to respect the owners of the land. We have identified the problem in Nigeria, and what we want is a solution.
“I am appealing to you in the name of God. The governor cannot deliberately destroy your property. Just play according to the rules of the game.
“To the Igbo, anybody who wishes the best for Lagos is a Lagosian.
“I assure Ndigbo that nobody will maliciously mistreat you. All of you should cooperate with the Lagos government to move the state forward.”
