A chieftain of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has advised the Igbo people in Lagos to start redirecting their businesses to the South – East geopolitical zone of the country following what he reckoned as the “systematic demolition of Igbo – populated markets in the state.
Isiguzoro who gave the advice on Saturday, February 3 on the heels of a trending online video of helpless Igbo traders at the Trinity spare parts market in Apapa, Lagos, since February 1, 2024, lamented the inability of the affected traders to salvage their goods and products.
He urged President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to urgently intervene and halt future demolitions
The factional Secretary General of Ohanaeze in a statement described the plights of his people as disheartening, noting that the organisation was meticulously documenting alleged use of state machinery against peaceful Igbo traders in Lagos State.
“In light of these distressing events, Ndigbo must acknowledge that it is now time to gradually retreat and redirect their businesses back home.
“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.
