Renowned PDP chieftain Prince Ewenla denounces anti-Igbo protest
By Ifeoma Ikem
Prince (Dr) Adedipe Ewenla, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Alimosho, Lagos State, has condemned the planned #Igbomustgo protest from August 20 – 30. The protest, called by a social media handle LagosPedia on X (formerly Twitter), demands that the Igbo people vacate Lagos and the Southwest region of Nigeria.
Dr. Ewenla, a respected member of the state’s disciplinary committee, described the protest as “divisive and dangerous.” He stressed that Lagos, a cosmopolitan hub, is a melting pot of diverse ethnicities, and that the contributions of the Igbo people, among others, have been instrumental in the state’s growth and development.
According to the Egba politician, “Igbo people have long made the southwest their places of permanent abode and business, making them a major contributor to the growth and development of Lagos State.
Meanwhile, many of our own dear (Yoruba) brothers and sisters reside in Igboland and are well treated there. So we don’t have the moral right to ask Igbo to vacate Lagos.”
The PDP chieftain urged the Lagos government and relevant authorities to take immediate action against those inciting division and ethnic discrimination.
He called for the investigation, arrest and prosecution of individuals promoting hate speech and violence, pointing out that such actions would serve as a deterrent to anyone trying to pose a threat to national security.
Citing Section 41 sub (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees every citizen the right to move freely and reside in any part of the country, Dr. Ewenla noted that the current reality in the country requires unity and collective efforts to address the challenges facing the masses, rather than stirring unnecessary tensions.
“The current situation across the nation does not call for division or hate speech; rather all hands must be on deck to find a lasting solution to resolving the hardship confronting the poor masses, though some people want to create unnecessary tension among the people,” Ewenla stated.
He added that “this rhetoric on X is not only divisive, but also endangers the peace and security of the people, as the Nigerian constitution guarantees every citizen the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.”