Honourable Jude Idumogu Member representing Oshodi Isolo Constituency 11 in the Lagos State Assembly 11 and others conveyed the peace train to the reconciliation meeting on Friday 5th June.
Some dignities were present at the meeting:
the Baales of Allen Avenue,
Honourable Olasoji
Babaloja of Tejuosho
Ogunbiyi Community Association (CDA),, Coalition of Associations (CACOVIN),
Iyaloja and Babaloja of CV,
Ogbako ndigbo of CV led by Prince Tony Nwakeze,
Ogbako ndigbo Elders Forum,Yoruba Business Network led by Tunde Aremu, Adebowale ( Debocom), Balogun of CV and Other important personalities.
The Iyaloja General who presided over the proceedings welcomed everyone and requested for constructive presentations and engagements devoid of personal attacks, name calling and derogatory languages.
1, Timi David Famoroti, Chairman of Coalition and Vice chairman CDA gave a recap of the previous meeting to guide the proceedings.
2, In his presentation,Prince Tony Nwakeze, the Chairman of Ogbako ndigbo spoke as an Investor/Elder and leader of ndigbo in CV. He stressed that Igbos are investors who have contributed immensely to the development and. growth of CV. That Igbos are not parasites but partners in progress.
That Igbos want peace and conducive environment to carry out businesses. That Igbos should be given opportunity to participate in decisions and affairs of the community where they are making positive contribution.
That Igbos do not deserve the kind of treatment they have experienced in the last one year in the hands of the Market Board led by Iyaloja in CV
That they have not been good Ambassadors of Iyaloja General who is an epitome of humility, wisdom and strong character. That any Ambassador who does not represent his/her Principal very well should be withdrawn or recalled.
Chief V.A Odinaka and Mike Orji supported the views raised by Nwakeze. Mike Orji narrated the ugly experience of Idowu lane members as well the physical assault on him.
Mr. Yemi Olayeni, the revenue manager of market board, Hon.Olasoji, Mr Akinsanya (Murphy), Godwin Enamor–all spoke in defence of the Market board and the #1,000 Dues which they claim is used to maintain the security and environment of CV. They also condemned and rejected the elections of CDA executives which they said was improperly handled and that names of executives were singlehandedly written by the Local Government Chairman.
The CDA chairman, Alhaji Musa and Timi David Famoroti countered their views. They stated that the elections were properly conducted by Ikeja local government and the executives were duly inaugurated. That the CDA controls the community and not the Iyaloja and babaloja which are Traditional Titles. That the crisis in community was majorly caused by Niyi Olasoji who refused to hand over to the new chairman after his tenure, but rather transformed to Babaloja to enable him control the community.
Timi David Famoroti, Chinedu Mbakwe(Mabtech), Mr. Augustine Ikwuezunma( Axis vision), spoke on behalf of the coalition and vehemently defended the business operators and shop owners. Stressing that the autocratic leadership style of iyaloja have been a major cause of the crisis in CV. That she rules like an Emperor, issuing orders that must be obeyed by everyone. That this attitude has resulted to imposition, harassment, intimidation and extortions. That they have never been consulted in any decisions on issues concerning their members. That they are not representing neither have what it takes to lead.
Mr. Adebowale (Debocom) and Tunde Aremu stressed that the major cause of the crisis was the issue of money. Those involved in the power tussle are more interested in the money that gets to their pockets. And most especially noninclusion of all stakeholders in decision making in CV. That without equity and justice, there will be no peace. That without including and embracing all stakeholders nothing will work.
Mrs Abisola Azeez (Iyaloja), spoke in defence of her emergence and installation as Iyaloja. And the opposition she has received to her leadership despite all the efforts she has made to reach out to stakeholders. That she has suffered media attacks from several quarters. She however said she is sorry and tendered unreserved apologies for those who feel aggrieved and offended by her leadership style.
Honourable Jude Idumogu, in his remarks urged everyone to embrace peace and unity. That Lagos state Governor and government will not want any crisis in CV especially being in the capital. He stated that Igbos are investors and development agents and as such they should be included in running the affairs of the community instead of being maligned and castigated.
Babaloja of Tejuosho and PRO to Iyaloja General, Pastor Okey Anoruo pointed out the importance of humility in service to humanity. That those who found themselves in position of authority should not abuse or use it as an instrument of intimidation and coersion. That leaders should embrace their followers and not to challenge those that gave them the privilege to lead.
The Baale of Allen Avenue said this has given him and his group the opportunity to hear from all the sides to enable them know the truth. That they have confirmed that Igbos are not the problem in CV as being widely spread. That Igbos make positive contributions to the development of the community and therefore should be carried along in running the affairs of the community. That everyone should embrace and maintain peace. That everyone should respect the Traditional and culture as represented by Iyaloja general. That we should always confirm and authenticate any information before going to the Press to avoid tarnishing the name and image of the Iyaloja general and her family.
The Iyaloja General, Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo expressed her thanks and gratitude to everyone who have sacrificed time and energy to be at the meeting and contributed positively to all the presentations and discussions.
She said that the conflicts are part of human existence, but the ability to manage and resolve them matters. That if the battle was not fought, we will not be able to see the bottom of the issues. She emphasized the need for leaders to seek and have wisdom from God Almighty. That wisdom is the principal thing in managing human affairs. She said from all the presentations, the crisis in CV lies with Abisola Azeez and Olasoji Niyi. She particularly expressed her grudges and indicted them.
That they failed to consult her on issues of collection of money In the market. Especially the #1,000 Dues and N5m which were attributed to her. Whereby she received phone calls from friends from within Nigeria and abroad.
That they do not abide and obey her advice on several issues.
That the attitude of Abisola Azeez in her presentation was unfortunate and dispicable. That she did not acknowledge and apologize to her for the damage her activities have caused her and her family name.
That they did not tell her about the erected gate at idowu lane and the reasons why it was dismantled and taken away.
That their attitude and approach to leadership has contributed to the crisis in CV.
That Igbos are not the cause of problem in CV but rather the greed and selfishness of few people because of money.
That all further harassment of business people in Computer village should henceforth be stopped.
That she never sent anybody to collect money for her.
That a leader without followership is only chasing shadows.
That the CDA was created to control the community and not the market.
That the Coalition of Associations should be recognised, engaged and must participate in the management of CV.
That all stakeholders will be considered
She requested that the coalition should send her the list of all the associations.
That every group should send two (2) names to represent them in future and final meetings and discussions on the plans and structure that will work in CV. That representatives should be readily available to do the work and should be available anytime they are called upon.
That they will not conclude on the issues today.
She offered prayers of blessing, prosperity, enlargement of coasts, peace and unity.
She said that she will reserve her judgement on Iyaloja and Babaloja of CV till further notice. But they deserve to be reprimanded for not representing her very well.
The meeting ended on very peaceful and exciting note. Many thanks to Honourable Jude the true Igbo son who cares for his peoples’ welfare.
Revelation media
