From Muyiwa Adegbite, Lagos
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Lagos State chapter of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, said it has initiated dialogue with Igbo leaders to rebuild trust and promote peaceful coexistence.
Yhe Lagos State Chairman, Deji Wellington, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday while explaining the rationale behind Afenifere’s recent meeting with leaders of the Igbo community in Lagos.
He said the initiative was informed by growing mutual suspicion between the Yoruba and Igbo communities, which he described as unhealthy for national unity and peaceful political participation.
“We strongly believe that our organisation, as a cultural, political and social group, should go beyond what our predecessors have done by promoting peaceful coexistence with the Igbo and other ethnic groups.
“Our observation is that there is mutual suspicion between the Yoruba and the Igbo. We believe this should not be the case because those of us who lived through the 1960s and 1970s witnessed a different relationship,” Wellington said.
According to him, the relationship between both ethnic groups was once characterised by mutual trust, friendship and communal living.
“The Yoruba and the Igbo lived together harmoniously before. Families shared the same compounds and communities,” Wellington added.
He recalled that during the Nigerian civil war, many Igbo families entrusted their homes and loved ones to their Yoruba neighbours.
“Many Igbo people left their homes, properties and even their children in the care of their Yoruba neighbours.
“When they returned, they found their homes intact, with rents and proceeds faithfully kept for them,” he said.
He, however, lamented that political and economic developments later damaged the cordial relationship between the two ethnic nationalities.
“Unfortunately, political and economic developments later disrupted that relationship. Younger generations inherited the mistrust without understanding the history behind it. We believe it is time to change that narrative and begin rebuilding the cordial relationship that once existed,” he said.
Speaking on the 2027 general elections, Wellington said Afenifere was not campaigning for any political party or candidate.
“Our message is to every ethnic group. We are not telling anyone who to vote for. We are simply appealing for peaceful elections,” he added.
He urged residents, particularly members of the Igbo community living in Lagos, to continue fostering peaceful relations with their host communities.
“Many Igbo residents have built their lives, businesses and raised their families in Lagos. Their children attend schools here, and many of their closest friends are Yoruba,” Wellington added.
He encouraged them to regard Lagos as home and contribute to sustaining peace.
“They should see Lagos as home and work together with the Yoruba people to protect their businesses, investments and properties. There is no benefit in allowing ethnic divisions or name-calling to continue,” he said.
He stressed that peaceful coexistence would create greater opportunities for dialogue, development and economic prosperity.
“Good relations with government and host communities create opportunities for dialogue and development. Any reasonable person would want to protect his investment and contribute to peaceful coexistence,” Wellington added.
The Afenifere chairman said the organisation would continue to mediate in areas of ethnic and community disputes.
“As an organisation, we also intend to intervene wherever community conflicts arise. That is one of the reasons we established the Igbo Community Forum-to serve as a platform for dialogue and conflict resolution,” Wellington said.