- By Kamil Opeyemi
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afeniefere, has demanded from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, its stand on the comment by one of its leaders Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, where he allegedly referred to the Yoruba as “rascals.”
A statement by the National Organising Secretary of the organisation, Apagun Kole Omololu, Afenifere said it would prefer to wait for the pan-Igbo group’s leadership to make its position known before knowing what further action. to be taken. NPO Reports however that Ohanaeze Ndigbo had made clarifications saying Iwuanyawu made reference not to the Yoruba but those who attacked the Igbos during the elections in Lagos.
“In the past few hours, Afenifere has been inundated with complaints by several Yoruba sons and daughters from all over the world regarding the comment made by the Chairman of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. Their complaints were that at an event in Awka, Anambra State, on Saturday, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu made a comment ridiculing the Yoruba race,” the statement read
“We have since reviewed the video recording of the event and our leadership will be reaching out to the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to seek clarification on why Chief Iwuanyanwu made the comment and whether his view is a reflection of what Ohanaeze Ndigbo indeed think of the Yorubas.”
While re-echoing the importance of Yoruba, the organization called on Ohaneze to warn the Chief not to insult the Yoruba
It added that being civil shouldn’t be in anyway taking for weakness.
“We are a proud nation. We are a hospitable race. All these should not be interpreted to mean weakness. In fact, it is a sign of being civilized. Enough of the provocation.
“In line with the Yoruba ethos of Omoluabi, (good upbringing) we are hereby urging all Yorubas, and indeed all Nigerians, to remain calm and continue to show love to their Igbo compatriots and members of other ethnic nationalities. We are one people under one nation and one God.
“The Yorubas have a long history of association and partnership with our Igbo brothers and sisters. Our diversity is one of Nigeria’s strengths in the comity of nations and we should not allow politics, religion , ethnicity or anything else to divide us.
It urged all Yorubas to continue to relate well with all other ethnic groups in Nigeria and abroad adding that the common humanity is more important than the divisive antics or careless remarks of any individual or group.
“The Yorubas are known worldwide as promoters of peace, unity and orderliness. We should hold on strongly to those virtues in the interest of peace, progress and prosperity in Nigeria and the world,” it added