From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has commiserated with Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, Oyo residents and the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, over last week’s blast in Ibadan.
The blast which occurred on Tuesday, January 16 led to the death of three persons and left about 77 persons injured.
The National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Alex Ogbonnia in a statement on Sunday, conveyed the feeling of the President General of Ohanaeze, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu over the incident.
He said: “It was indeed heart-breaking as dead bodies resulting from the blast were pulled from the rubble of a residential area in Old Bodija.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo holds the city of Ibadan with a deep emotional attachment for many reasons; some of which are the cordiality, hospitality, inter-religious harmony, conviviality and liberty the Ibadan community provides for the Igbo in their diverse areas of enterprise and industry.
“The above age-long and exemplary Ibadan provenance has promoted the exchange of cultural values, camaraderie, inter-ethnic marriages and conferment of chieftaincy titles to various eminent Igbo; including the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Engr Dr, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo as the Balogun Babaguwa of Ibadan land.
“The Igbo Leader commiserates with the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde; our great in-law, the Olubadan, His Eminence, Moshood Olalekan Balogun; the good people of Ibadan and the Afenifere over this unfortunate incident.
“The Igbo Leader urges the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Oyo State Chapter to demonstrate total solidarity with the good people of Ibadan over this unusual occurrence.”
Ohanaeze however expressed joy over the quick recovery of the injured and their subsequent release from hospital.