IGBO-EZUE LEADERSHIP CRISIS: HASSAN APPEALS TO BARR. AGHOLOR
By Nicholas Ebegboni
A public analyst and businessman, Chief Yomi Odunselu Hassan, the Ekwueme of Akumazi, has appealed to Chief Barrister Ifeanyi Agholor to soft pedal in the case of Igboezue Association leadership crisis which led to an altercation in the palace of the Obi of Owa, where one Sir Francis Okechukwu was allegedly assaulted.
Speaking to our correspondent at his office in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday November 26,2024, Hassan affirmed that Ika land is for everyone, both indigenes and non-indigenes, hence the need for all to maintain peace.
According to Chief Hassan nonnatives helped in developing Ika land, therefore, their contributions cannot be undermined.
He confirmed that if everyone values the contribution of the other, then the import, of allowing peace to reign, would dawn on everyone involved in the matter.
Chief Hassan revealed that during his trial period in Ika land, when some persons were trying to intimidate him, Chief Barr. Agholor’s advice encouraged him to victory, and according to him, he knows Chief Barr. Agholor as a peace-loving individual.
Speaking further, he urged every individual involved in the case to tow the part of peace, and go for dialogue to seek ways to redress the matter without it escalating to violence, as violence is not a good thing, but can only generate destruction and pain.
The Ekwueme of Akumazi disclosed that he knew the Obi of Owa before he became the king, about fifty years ago, and that even when they have not seen for over forty years now, he added that he knew the Obi also as a man who loves peace.
Continuing, he encouraged members of Igboezue Association and other non-indigenes in Ika land to ensure that they continue to live in peace with their host communities. He maintained that as non-indigenes though, they have the right to live and do business in any part of the country without fear of intimidation or molestation, but that they should make sure they do the right thing always.
SEE ALSO:Â IGBO-EZUE LEADERSHIP CRISIS: SIR FRANCIS OKECHUKWU MOANS ALLEGED ASSAULT, INTIMIDATION
He appealed to Sir Francis Okechukwu who was allegedly assaulted to sheathe his sword and follow peace, noting that as Christians, the bible advised us to follow peace with all men.
The public analyst hinted that though it is not easy when someone feel he or she have been intimidated to let go easily, but at the end, its better letting peace reign.
In another development, Chief Hassan warned all Ika residents to be careful during the ember period as in Africa and Nigeria in particular, the period is a harbinger of bad news, therefore, Ika residents should be very careful where they go, what they say, the people they meet with, and most especially avoid night crawling.
He noted that the Christmas celebration is not a do or die affair, where one would say he or she must do this or that, because one’s neighbors or friends did it.
Meanwhile, he advised women not to break their homes because of Christmas, as Christmas as long as the earth exist, would not seize. Based on that, he urged married women to bear, and manage with their husbands, as whatever they couldn’t enjoy today, could be available tomorrow.