By Charles Kumolu, Olasukanmi Akoni, Gbenga Oke & Monsur OlowoOpejo

LAGOS—governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli Emiko, yesterday called for peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria, noting that the country can only attain prosperity if its people are living harmoniously.

The duo also emphasised on the historical ties between the Itsekiri and Yoruba ethnic groups, calling for survival of the relationship.

This was said yesterday in Lagos when the Itsekiri monarch paid a courtesy visit to the governor.

Ambode, who expressed delight at the visit, urged both tribes to continuously emphasise  issues that would further strengthen the bond.

He further congratulated the monarch for peacefully ascending the throne, noting that he is confident that the king would turn around the fortunes of the Itsekiri nation.

His words:  “We believe so much in him and his community. We believe just the way he has said that we are brothers and that anything that concerns the Warri community is the concern of the Yoruba community and like he rightly said, this visit once again emphasized the need for all of us to foster peace and harmonious relationship.

“We are strongly committed to the needs of the people of Itsekiri land because we know that by history, the coming of Olu of Warri to Lagos from Ile-Ife is significant to show the Yoruba hegemony that we have always wanted and we will continue to preach about.

“There is nothing we want to say about the history of the Yoruba nation that we can afford to leave out the Itsekiri. If you look at our titles, our languages and our culture, you will obviously find a symbiotic relationship between us which we must guard jealously and also improve upon as we proceed.”

Yoruba hegemony

Earlier, the Olu thanked Ambode for identifying with the people of Warri during the mourning period of the late monarch and during his coronation.

He said:”I came in from Ile-Ife to this place and the way the Ooni of Ife received me and my entourage confirmed the fact that we are from the same heritage. As a matter of fact, I had the honour to first receive and bless his new wife. And when I got to the palace of Oba of Lagos this morning, the reception too was like home coming.

“The Oba of Lagos left his throne and sat with me and this is just a confirmation that we are brothers and must not be separated. I am happy sitting with the Governor as a member of the same family.

“My appeal is that we are part of you not minding the geographical distance. There are lots of Itsekiri in Lagos and there are lots of Yoruba in Warri. I want such relationship to continue and pray that we should sustain it.”

Also speaking during an earlier visit to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, the monarch commended Akiolu for providing an inspiring leadership to all the ethnic groups in the state.

Remi Tinubu, good ambassador of Itsekiri

He said: “What I have seen here is to show that you are a father indeed. You have accepted us with open hands and demonstrated brotherhood. You are much older than me but instead of seating on your seat, you came to sit close to me. You came out today and prayed for the success of everyone. You also commended our daughter, Senator Remi Tinubu that, she is a good ambassador of the Itsekiri nation and that is how we are.

“I want to appeal that we see Lagos as our own state too, that is why we are all here to see you and you have demonstrated that from your spoken words. I want to appeal that the love you have exhibited towards my children who are here in Lagos, should continue. Any time they come to you, accept them as your children. They will continue to contribute their best towards the prosperity of Lagos. I want to tell you that Warri is also your home. We are looking forward to seeing you in Warri.”

Olu warns against communal clashes

At a forum, organised in honour of the visiting monarch by the Itsekiri community in Lagos, the 20th Olu of Warri cautioned the various communities in Warri against engaging in communal clashes.

He also advised against wasting so much money on litigations over communal issues.

In addition, the monarch said his subjects would often be consulted before vital decisions are taken.

He said: “Recently, we had an issue over land tussle and the lawyer charged us N40 million, we had to beg him to collect 20million. Why should we spend so much money on litigations when such money could be spent on the developmental projects in our communities?

“During my reign as Olu of Warri, I will consult with subjects before making any pronouncement and I am also using this opportunity to call on people stealing funds meant for community development to stop forthwith.

“I am also using this opportunity to thank all those who stood by me during my coronation, I pray God in his infinite mercies will stand by them as well.”

In his remarks, Chairman of Alphamay, Mr. Luck Ereku, called on the people of Warri to make the city great again.

His words: “Warri does not take the last position in anything and that is why we remain the best today. We are calling on every one of us to come together and make Warri great again.

“The coronation of our monarch was a beautiful one and we thank all those who played a major role in making it a reality. We call on our people who are in Warri North and Warri South-West to all come together and support the Ogiame to reposition our zone.”

Those at the event include: Chief Philip Asiodu, Prof. John Pepper Clark, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor; Amb Patrick Dele Cole, Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli, Henry Boyo, Amaju Pinnick and Miss Temi Harriman.

Others are Chief Brown Mene, Chief Kofi Kate, Chief Prest Udenyi, Chief Emmanuel Jones, Chief Ayirimi Emami, Prince Yemi Emiko, Prince Toju Emiko, Prince Moses Emiko and others.