February 20, (THEWILL) – The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has warned Igbos residing in Lagos to steer clear of the ongoing political turmoil in the state, particularly the power tussle between the Lagos Mandate Group and the Lagos Justice Group.
In a statement issued by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group said both factions have played a role in the persecution of Igbos in Lagos, citing the destruction of Igbo-dominated markets and demolitions of properties since 2023.
Isiguzoro cautioned against any attempt to drag the Igbo community into the political fracas surrounding the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly, emphasising the need for neutrality.
“The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, expresses grave concern over the ongoing political turmoil in Lagos, particularly regarding the Speakership crisis in the State House of Assembly.
“This crisis bears a resemblance to the infamous 1965 ‘Operation Wetie’ political conflict. We, therefore, strongly advise all Igbos in Lagos to remain neutral and not allow themselves to be used as pawns in this struggle for power and control over state resources, including Value Added Tax (VAT), taxation, and rental revenues,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo further accused the two political factions of being responsible for policies that have marginalized Igbos in Lagos.
“These groups have orchestrated political persecution against Igbos, evident in the destruction of our markets and the demolition of properties belonging to our people. When we sought intervention from the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, over these issues, our pleas fell on deaf ears. Now, the same political forces that ignored our concerns are in crisis, and we refuse to be dragged into their battles,” Isiguzoro stated.
The group also warned that history could repeat itself if the crisis is not properly managed, drawing parallels with the political conflicts that led to the collapse of Nigeria’s First Republic in 1966.
“The ongoing crisis is a reminder of the dangers of unchecked political rivalry. The political turmoil between Akintola and Awolowo in the 1960s led to disastrous consequences, and we do not wish to see history repeat itself. We urge all Nigerians to prevent the current crisis from spiraling out of control,” the statement added.
Ohanaeze condemned the deployment of security operatives, including DSS personnel and police officers, to the Lagos House of Assembly on February 17, describing it as an indication of Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
The group concluded by urging all Igbos in Lagos to exercise caution and avoid being used as scapegoats in the unfolding political drama.
He added, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on all Igbos in Lagos to remain vigilant and neutral. We must not allow ourselves to be drawn into a crisis that does not serve our collective interest. The political struggles of Lagos should remain within the confines of its political actors, and we refuse to be sacrificial lambs in this matter.”
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