On Saturday, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, a chieftain of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the highest Igbo socio-cultural group, stated that it was time for Igbos to begin progressively withdrawing and shifting their enterprises back to the South-East.
Isiguzoro was responding to a widely shared video clip on the internet that showed defenseless Igbo vendors at the Trinity Spare Parts Market in Apapa, Lagos, on February 1, 2024, bemoaning their failure to save their merchandise.
Isiguzoro called the situation depressing, but he said that the group was “closely observing the distinct pattern of these demolitions” and that they were “systematically documenting the demolition of Igbo-populated markets in Lagos State.”
The factional Secretary General of Ohanaeze denounced in a statement the use of state apparatus against Igbo traders who were conducting business peacefully in Lagos State.
“Ndigbo must acknowledge that it is now time to gradually retreat and redirect their businesses back home,” states Isiguzoro in response to these upsetting developments.
The divisive Secretary General pleaded with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Tinubu to act quickly to halt further demolitions.
“The relentless targeting of Igbo traders and their businesses under the guise of development is unacceptable.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo implores Igbo traders to relocate the headquarters of their businesses to Igbo land to avoid further complications arising from future market demolitions.
“We fervently urge President Tinubu and the Governor of Lagos State to demonstrate true leadership by intervening decisively to protect the rights and interests of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity,” he stated.