Igbo Traders In Akure Shut Markets Over Monarch, Eze Ndigbo’s Quarrel

Deji of Akure-Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi

Igbo in Akure, the Ondo State capital, have reportedly shut down their businesses to protest the planned dethronement of their Eze- Ndigbo, Sir Gregory Iloehike by Deji of Akure.

The Igbo, who converged on their secretariat at Gbogi Street as early as 7am, warned the monarch against dethroning the Eze Ndigbo, insisting that he has no power to dethrone Iloehike.

It was learnt that the Deji, Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun II, accused the Eze Ndigbo of insubordination and disrespect. But Iloehike said he was not rude to the Deji.

“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,” The Nation quoted Iloehike to have said.

The Eze Ndigbo said the monarch’s invitation was the first since he ascended the throne. He noted that the Igbo had been living harmoniously in Akure for over 70 years without any friction with the natives.

The Igbo, therefore, urged the Deji-in council not to cause inter-ethnic crisis in the state.

1 COMMENT

  1. It will be a total calamity in Yoruba land for a visitor to dictate to the Mornarch,and Akure would not become the center place where the Igbos a visitor for that matter who claim to have been living in peace with the people would dictate how the King rule the town .By the way who appointed EZE INDIGBO in Yoruba land ?Historically in Yoruba land the King appoints his subjects The Ondo state Government should quickly call every Indigbos in Yoruba land to their senses.The Igbos lack respect and culture in their land should not replicates to any other parts of the country .Therefore the government and the citizen should Call for the immediate open of Akure market ,To this end the Indigbo should know that a stranger remain stranger in any part of the Yoruba land where the king rule especially if any chiefs prove not cooperatives with other chiefs and King. The king in Yoruba land is poised to overthrow any of his chief which EZE INDIGBO ,and others fall into the category.