Ibadan’s accommodating spirit worthy of emulation, says Ezendigbo

Makinde mourns elders’ forum chairman, Sanu

The Ezendigbo of Ibadanland, Dr. Alex Anozie, has said that if various communities across the country relate with non-indigenes the way Ibadan people do, Nigeria would have been better than it is presently.

He made the submission during a courtesy visit to the palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade ll, yesterday after the monthly meeting of Ezendigbo with his council members.

Anozie, who said his people (Igbo residents in Ibadan) are prospering without let or hindrance, maintained that the metropolis had remained home to some of them because of the peace and tranquility they enjoy. He pledged the co-operation and support of Igbo people for the Olubadan.

In his response, the Olubadan commended Anozie for the open acknowledgement of Ibadan’s hospitability and charged him to ensure that the Igbo maintain law and order.

MEANWHILE, OYO State Governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday, mourned the former diplomat and chairman of Ibadan Elders’ Forum, Ambassador Olusola Sanu, describing his demise as a great loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State, the diplomatic community and Nigeria as a whole.

Makinde, who condoled with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Lekan Balogun, Ibadan elders, the Central Council of Ibadan indigenes and the immediate family of the late ambassador, said the late Sanu gave his best towards the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria. He said: “I was saddened by the news of the passing of the chairman of the Ibadan Elders’ Forum, Ambassador Olusola Sanu.

“While giving gratitude to God for the great life Baba lived, we cannot but mourn because his death at this time is a great loss to Ibadanland and Oyo State.

“Sanu’s passion for and commitment to the development and progress of Ibadan and Oyo State are exemplary.”